THE CHRISTIANS GUIDE. For his better, and more comfortable passage through the wilderness of this troublesome world, unto that promised rest in that heavenly Canaan, the Kingdom of glory. Consisting of divers holy Meditations and Prayers serving to that purpose. PSAL. 107.43. Who is wise that he may observe these things? PROV. 9.9. Give admonition to the wise, and he will be wiser; teach a righteous man and he will increase in learning. LONDON: Printed by T. S. for Samuel Man, and are to be sold at his Shop in Paul's Churchyard, at the sign of the Ball. 1614 TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE, ROBERT, Lord RICH, Baron of Leez, etc. increase of all true honour here, and everlasting happiness hereafter. Right Honourable: HOW needful it is to have always at hand divers helps and furtherances to godliness, and to be often conversant in Meditation and Prayer, and such like holy and religious Exercises, none can be ignorant, who is either privy to his own natural indisposition and untowardness unto that which is good, or otherwise a diligent observer of the sundry occasions whereby the affections are distracted, and withdrawn from that, on which they ought chiefly to be placed; or lastly, not forgetful of the subtlety and stratagems of that old and malicious enemy, in seeking by all means, either to keep men from entering into the right way, or else to divert them from it, being once entered into it, by laying many stumblingblocks in the way, or ensnaring them with the alluring baits of the lying and deceivable vanities of this fading and perishing world, with which many are so strangely enchanted, that whiles they fond think therein to find felicity, they run on headlong unto utter ruin and destruction. Hence it is, that many moved with the zeal of the glory of GOD, and the good of others, (the welfare of whose souls was dear unto them) have employed themselves in seeking to remedy this evil, by seasoning the affections of men with wholesome instructions, and to preserve them from that danger, which otherwise they were like to fall into through the craft and malice of that deadly adversary, who desires nothing more, then to make a prey of them, and to drown their souls in perdition, without all hope of recovery. And this indeed it was, that first induced me (being also moved thereunto by the often and importunate request of godly & well-disposed friends) to publish this Treatise for the benefit of others, and to proceed in the course which upon the like considerations, I had formerly enterprised. The Work I acknowledge to be slender, yet such as I hope may not be without profit to those that are sincerely affected; and not sick, either of that evil disease of vain and fond curiosity, which reigns among too many: or else of that spiritual surfeit, which is a cause of much hurt, not to a few, whose distemper causeth them to loathe better and more savoury dishes then this, which I here set before them, not having indeed any relish in any thing which is not fitted to their Aguish and disordered appetite. Whatsoever it be, I presume to send it forth into the light, under your Honourable Patronage. Why I should use this boldness; among others, this was not the least incitement; namely, considering that your Lo: hath not only been a Patron of the Labours of divers in this or the like nature: but also an Honourable and worthy Instrument for the entrance of many into that chief and main work of the ministery, dealing therein with much sincerity and faithfulness (a thing so rare in this decayed and corrupted age, wherein either Flattery or such like sinister respects, or (which is worse,) Bribery and Simony, have so much defiled and defaced the Lords Sanctuary, to the loss of many souls, which have perished by means of such execrable and sacrilegious impiety.) I thought it my duty, to take occasion hereby, of joining with others in publishing to the world your sincere and religious care herein towards the Church of God (which shall no doubt in due time be more abundantly recompensed a 1 Cor. 11.15.58. Gal. 6.9. ;) not so much to stir up your noble and generous mind, to continue in that honourable and worthy course, wherein I know right well your Christian and constant resolution and forwardness, as to provoke others of your, or inferior order, to whom that great and weighty business is committed, to follow your steps, that thereby they may participate with you in the like deserved praise, and so the Church far the better for them; which they ought to account (as it is indeed) their greatest glory: being that wherein Christian Princes and Emperors in former times have much rejoiced, & striven who should therein exceed and surpass others. Besides this general respect, which together 〈…〉 THE CHRISTIANS GUIDE. PROVER. 19.20. Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end. 2 TIM. 2.19. Let every one that calleth on the name of Christ depart from iniquity. What preparation and reverence is to be used in Prayer and other holy and religious Exercises. IF men be to come into the presence of an earthly Prince, to put up a supplication Mal. 1.8.9 unto him for something which they are desirous to obtain of him, or to hear him speak unto them of somewhat which nearly concerns them, how careful will they be to prepare themselves, in the best manner that can be, aforehand? With what reverence will they present themselves before him? O then what care, what preparation, what reverence is to be used of all men, when they are to come before the King of glory, 1 Tim. 1.17 Dan. 2.47. Isa. 40.15. the Lord of heaven and earth, the great God of the whole world, at whose feet all Princes, and the mightiest monarches in the world are to cast their Crowns, and their Sceptres, and to humble themselves with all reverent submission both of body and soul, Isa. 45.23. acknowledging themselves to be nothing unto him; yea, the brightness of whose glory is so great, that those glorious Creatures, the Angels themselves, are feign to veil and to cover their faces in his presence: Isay 6.2. Exod. 3.5. and 34.8. Psal. 95.6.7 Mat. 26.39 Acts 20.36 Gen. 18.27 in what a holy and reverent manner ought they to present themselves before his Majesty, either when they are to speak unto him in Prayer, or to hear him speak unto them out of his Word, or to meditate upon his holy and righteous ways and works, or to be acquainted with any part of his will, so as may concern his glory or their good! They can never use too much diligence when they prepare and address themselves unto this great and weighty business. But alas (a grief it is unto one that hath his heart well affected) who doth not see how exceeding careless and negligent most men are in this duty; yea, how strangely and irreverently they rush often into the presence of God, Eccl. 4.17. without all preparation, yea, scarce once thinking or considering with themselves, what they are, before whom it is that they are to stand, and what business they have in hand; which if they did, sure it would make them to stir up their lumpish and drowsy affections, and to settle themselves unto it in another manner than they do; yea, with far more reverence and preparation then if they were to appear before the greatest Monarch on earth, and that when he were in his greatest State and Royalty, attended with all his Nobles and Peers, in the most majestical manner that could be. O most mighty and most glorious God, let me be always affected with the consideration of thy glorious and divine presence, as I ought to be, especially when I approach nearer unto thee, either to offer up my humble suits and supplications by prayer unto thee, for the obtaining of grace and mercy at thy hands, or to attend upon thee, in that holy ordinance of thine to hear thee out of thy word, teaching me what thy will and pleasure is towards me, or to be coversant in reading, meditation, or any other holy and religious exercise, whereby I may be furthered in the ways of grace and salvation. far be it from me to thrust myself into thy holy and sacred presence (as the manner of the profane and ungodly ones is) without a careful and conscionable endeavour to have my heart rightly prepared, and my affections truly sanctified. O Lord, this is not in my power more than in any other; it is thy grace only: let it please thee therefore to give it unto me. Purge my heart, I beseech thee, from all things which cause me to offend; free my mind from every thing, which might be a cause of any distraction unto me; lift up my soul far above all earthly cogitations and desires, and possess me with such an entire love, and such a holy reverence of thy Majesty, that thou mayest always be truly glorified of me, Levit. 10.3 whensoever I draw near unto thee, and enter into thy presence to perform any duty which thou requirest of me. Hear me (O Lord) and that only for the merits and mediation of thy Son, and my blessed Saviour and Redeemer, Christ jesus: in whose Name alone, I pour out all my suits and supplications unto thee, and look to obtain grace and mercy from thee. Humility, the way to true knowledge and spiritual understanding. MAny there be that have taken great pains, and been very industrious in searching after many things, the knowledge and understanding whereof (although excellent in itself, and worthy the labouring for) yet they could never attain unto, because they sought not for it, with a meek and humble heart, and with a purpose to use it to the right end, and for the greatest benefit both of themselves and others, but for sinister and by-respects. They that are most humble shall be best learned, and receive the greatest blessing in the use of the means which God hath appointed. The Lord revealeth his secrets unto them, Psal. 25.9. which are hid from the proud, Mat. 11.25 1 Cor. 2.11 12. and such as are wise in their own eyes. They shall understand the wonderful things of God, the great things of his Law, those deep Mysteries contained in his word, even those things which the wisest of this world, and the learnedst Scribes amongst men cannot reach unto shall they comprehend and understand, because the Lord hath promised to give them the teaching of his Spirit, that holy anointing, 1 joh. 2.27 and will send down that light from above, which will so illuminate and enlighten their minds, Ephe. 1.17 18 joh. 7.17. that they shall see clearly into those things which are dark and obscure unto others. Good Lord, I humbly bow the knee of my heart and soul before thy glorious Majesty, suing unto thee earnestly and instantly in the mediation of thy Son, for a further increase & a greater measure of that heavenly grace: for this I will pray, yea, cry unto thee daily and uncessantly. Do thou therefore vouchsafe to grant it unto me, and more and more to increase it in me. Give me a meek spirit, a lowly mind, and an humble heart, a heart which may be set, not for the seeking of myself (for that were wickedness) but for the advancement of thy glory, referring all my studies and endeavours to the end which thou hast appointed that we should aim at continually; and then I know that thou wilt reveal thy will unto me, and give me understanding of thy word as far as is requisite and necessary for me; yea, that thou wilt cause me to conceive and comprehend those things which are wonderful, and which none can search into, or find out, but those alone that have thy Spirit to be their teacher, which thou hast promised unto them only that are of a meek spirit, and of an humble mind, which is a thing exceeding pleasing unto thee, james 4.6. and wherein thou much delightest, but abhorrest all those that are of a proud heart, and deniest thy grace unto them. Humility, the fruit of true saving knowledge. HE that knoweth things aright as he ought to know them, especially if he hath attained unto the knowledge of himself, and of his maker; the better he knoweth and understandeth these things, the more lowly, the more base and vile will he be in his own eyes; and the more will he magnify and extol his God, the Creator, and the Lord of all things. They are but smatterers, 1 Cor. 8.2 1 Tim. 6.20. and novices of true knowledge and understanding (whatsoever they may seem to themselves or others) who have not as yet learned to esteem meanly of themselves, Gen. 18.27. Isai. 40.17. and very highly of the God of glory; the advancement of whom, is the chief end, unto which all knowledge should tend and aim most directly. Grant O Lord, that I may use all means whereby I may come unto that knowledge which is necessary and convenient for me, especially that I may know myself aright, even what I am in myself, and of myself; a worm of the earth, a wretched and sinful man, dust & ashes; and thee, the mighty Creator and glorious God of heaven and earth, the possessor of all things, infinite in power and majesty, the brightness of whose glory the Angels themselves cannot fully comprehend: that hereby I may learn always to humble and abase myself, and to glorify and extol thy name for ever and ever. The right use and end of all knowledge. IT is an ordinary thing amongst men, to study rather to know much, then to live well; from whence it cometh (as every one that is of any discerning may easily see and observe) that many, whiles they have their heads stuffed with multiplicity and variety of learning, yet have their lives barren, and altogether fruitless and unprofitable. How do such deceive themselves? whiles they profess themselves to be wise, Rom. 1.22. yet herein they show themselves very vain and foolish. A strange thing: certain it is, that men being otherwise so learned and intelligent, yet in this should show themselves to be so exceeding simple, and so grossly ignorant, as not to know the main end of all their knowledge; or else so ill disposed, as if they know it, yet altogether to neglect it, or little to regard it. Doubtless, knowledge is good and excellent in itself; a singular blessing, and both given and appointed of God for the great benefit of mankind, such as without which a man is scarce a man; and by which a man cometh nearer unto those heavenly natures; yea, doth in some sort participate of the divine nature itself, receiving thereby a print and stamp of the image of God, 2 Cor. 3.18. 1 Sam. 2.3. who is infinite in wisdom and knowledge. Knowledge then is excellent; who will deny it, but he that is very sottish and ignorant? and to be much desired and sought for, and that with diligence of all that have means to attain unto it, who will, not easily grant it, that is not deprived even of sense and reason? But yet this we are to know also and acknowledge (as that which is undeniable, and to be yielded unto of all) that action is to be preferred before speculation; 1 Cor. 4.20. Mat. 7.24. jam. 1.25. Rom. 2.13 john. 8.51 the doing of things known before the mere notion itself; in brief, the practice of a holy, a virtuous and religious life, before an idle, a bare and naked knowledge, without conscience and practice: In the day of the last and general judgement, it shall not be so much inquired of us, what our knowledge, Math. 25.35. etc. as what our works & actions have been; how much learning we had, as how soberly, how righteously, and how religiously, we have lived in this present world: This is that into which then especial inquiry shall be made, and according unto which we shall then chiefly be judged. O Lord, give me the knowledge of all those things which are meet and requisite to be known of me while I live here below; give me the true understanding of thy word, and of thy holy and blessed will which thou hast therein declared & revealed unto us: and as I know these things, so grant that I may be always careful with a conscionable endeavour to practise and perform them; that so using the knowledge which thou shalt give me unto the right end which thou wouldst have us principally to intend & to aim at, even to the glory of thy name, in walking before thee, and before all men in the course of a holy life, and of a goodly and Christian conversation, I may hereafter be glorified of thee in that celestial kingdom of thine, through the merits of Christ my Saviour. Amen. Another. THe more knowledge that any hath, the greater shall his condemnation be; if he endeavour not to do those things which he knoweth. If he learneth not thereby to live more holy, john. 9.40 41. and to do the will of God in all things more perfectly, he shall be sure to be beaten with more stripes, Luk. 12.47. & be more severely dealt with then those that are either altogether ignorant, or else have not attained unto the like measure of knowledge that he hath. Small cause therefore have any to be puffed up in mind with self-conceit for those things which he knows, but rather to be humbled and to fear the greatness of the danger that he is in, if he be not much bettered in his life, according to the measure and proportion of his knowledge. O heavenly Father, give me to know that good, that acceptable, and that perfect will of thine; and not to know it only, but to do it also, with all diligence, readiness, and cheerfulness, even as the Saints and Angels in heaven do; that thus I may not only avoid the curse which otherwise would fall upon me, but also receive that blessing which thou hast promised: joh. 13.17 If you know these things, blessed are ye, if you do them. Divine contemplation. AMong all creatures here below, Man, only bears the image of God his Creator, and hath his countenance erected and lifted up to heavenward, that so being given to a contemplative life, he might think oft of his ascent into those heavenly places, where there is only true peace and perfect happiness in the fruition of that glorious presence; and in the mean time whiles he lieth here below in a strange land, as one that is in exile and banishment out of his own country, 2 Cor. 5.6.7.8. Heb. 11.13 be taken up with the frequent and serious cogitation of those things whereby he might every day be more fitted and prepared for that long journey into his blessed home, those celestial mansions: But alas (so hath Satan prevailed with the most, having great advantage from the perverseness of their disordered and corrupted nature) that almost every man (as if they had forgot themselves) neglecting or little regarding the contemplation and meditation of things spiritual and heavenly; even from their youth up follow their own ways, and in a very strange and preposterous manner pervert the end of their creation, & abode here in this world, during that short moment of time, which he who is the rule of all time hath measured out unto them; Habak. 2.6 Psal. 4.6. one addicting himself to base worldliness, as if there were no other riches than these fading & transitory things which shall soon perish: Eccles. 11.9. Luk. 12.19 another to voluptuousness, pouring out himself to vain and sinful pleasures and delights, as if there were no happiness elsewhere to be found: another to ambition, * judg. 9.2. 2 Sam. 15.2.3. 1 Kin. 1.5. Este. 3.5. & 5.13. etc. fond doting upon the painted shape of the enticing & bewitching honours and preferments of this mutable and changing world, in which there is no stability, no steadfastness: and others giving themselves over to more grievous and fearful sins; and which is worst of all, lying and continuing in them, without any sense or feeling of them, or purpose to return, and to leave and forsake them: and so (as if there were no felicity, nor misery, but on the earth, on which they tread, Jude 10. and lie groveling in a brutish sort) spend their days as unprofitable burdens thereof, and falling from the dignity and excellent estate whereunto they were created, become like the beasts that perish, nay worse. A woeful case, and to be lamented even with tears, of those that have Wisdom and Understanding to see into these things, and to consider of them aright. Many there be that are wholly drowned in these outward and earthly things; few that set themselves to seek after the chief good, and that which is most to be desired of all those that are the sons of wisdom. Blessed Lord, keep me from the folly and vanity of the world, who walk in such blind and dangerous paths. Give me eyes to discern of the true good, that whereunto I was created; and let my heart be wholly set upon the same: let me not be led as the bruit beast is, with those things which are sensible and carnal, but as in mercy and goodness thou hast stamped thine own Image in me; and set my face to thee-wards, so Lord, let me always be looking up unto thee, and meditating of those things which are spiritual and heavenly, Psal. 119.148. that so after a few days spent here below on this sinful earth, in these earthly cottages, where there is nothing but misery and vanity; I may live with thee above in those celestial mansions, and enjoy that glory and happiness which is endless and unspeakable, and that only through the merits of thy Son my blessed Saviour and Redeemer, who hath purchased so great things for me, & to whom with thee and thy gracious spirit be all praise and glory, both now and evermore. Amen. The end of the Preface. Election. WHY the LORD hath elected us unto life, and suffered others to walk in the way unto death and everlasting perdition; there can no reason be given but only this, that it was his own good will and pleasure: Rom. 9.11 & 11.5. Gal. 4.9. 2 Tim. 1.9 Ephes. 1.5. jam. 1.18. it is so because it pleased him it should be so. Oh then how infinitely are the Lords chosen bound unto him, in that he hath taken them unto himself, and let go thousands of others, who deserved this favour at his hands as much as they did? How should their hearts be inflamed towards him, for that so free & unspeakable love and kindness towards them? How should it even enforce them to seek by all means to testify their unfeigned love and thankfulness unto him for the same? Rom. 15.36. Ephes. 1.6. Col. 1.12. O blessed Lord, how wonderful is thy goodness towards me? how unsearchable are the riches of thy free grace, which through thy Christ thou hast vouchsafed unto me, denying the same unto others, who might have made as good claim unto it as I. Thou hast written my name in th● book of life, when thou mightst have suffered me to have my part and portion amongst those that being rejected and forsaken of thee, and cast out of thy presence, shall perish and be damned for evermore. Thou hast chosen me unto life and salvation before all worlds, without any merits or deserts of mine; even because it pleased thee, O Father, and because thou hadst a love unto me: thou hast chosen me to be one of that small number, that little flock of thine, Luk. 12.32 fo● whom thou hast prepared a kingdom, and in whom thou wilt make the riches of thy grace and glory to appear in most glorious manner. Oh what shall I return unto thee, Psa. 116.12 answerable unto this marvelous love and goodness of thine towards me? O do thou affect my heart with it continually, & let the remembrance thereof constrain me to love thee, to reverence thee, to sing praises unto thee, yea to seek by all means to glorify thee, being fervent in the duties of piety and holiness, which thou hast commanded, and fruitful in all those good works which thou hast prepared for me to walk in. Grant this I beseech thee, for thy mercy's sake, and for the merits of thy dear Son, my blessed Lord and Saviour, in whom thou imbracedst me from everlasting, with so great love and fatherly compassions: and to whom with thee and that good spirit of thine, which hath sealed the assurance hereof unto me, be ascribed, as due is, all honour, 2 Cor. 1.22. glory, praise, Majesty & dominion, both now and for ever, Amen. Those that are elected unto life and salvation, are elected also unto the means whereby to attain unto the same. IF GOD hath ordained me unto life, saith the careless and secure wretch, I shall be saved, do I what I will, or live I how I list; and if otherwise I must needs be damned, do I what I can, or what course soever I take: and therefore soul live at ease, Eccl. 11.9. sport thyself in the pleasures and delights of sin, walk in the ways of thy heart, and in the sight of thine eyes, let all grief be put far from thee, take no thought for the time to come, for howsoever thy life be, thou shalt surely come unto the end which is appointed for thee, and whereunto thou art destinated and ordained of old. O vain man, how hath Satan deluded thee? yea, how wilfully and foolishly dost thou deceive thyself, and beguile thine own soul, whilst thou reasonest after such a fond and strange manner; thereby laying a snare, with which, if thou bewarest not in time, thou art sure to be entangled, to thy utter confusion? Deut. 29.19.20. See thy folly: If God hath decreed that thou shalt live any longer, thou shalt live till the date of that time be expired which he hath appointed, though thou neither eat nor drink, nor use any means to preserve thy life: and if he hath decreed that thou shalt die shortly, thou must needs die then, what means soever thou seekest to continue and prolong thy life: wilt thou therefore hereupon refuse thy meat, and neglect the means whereby thy life should be maintained and preserved, reasoning with thyself in this wise: if God hath appointed that I shall live, than I shall live without the use of these; and if otherwise, I must die of necessity, all the world cannot help me: would not thine own reason convince thee of great senselessness herein? and would not all that should hear of thee, condemn thee for thy simplicity; yea, extreme folly, in that as one destitute of all understanding, thou wouldst through such a sottish opinion, break in sunder the thread of thy life before the time, and even wilfully hasten thine own destruction, and in a desperate mood dig a pit for to bury thyself in before thou wert dead; yea, when as thou mightst yet see many days in the Land of the living. Good Lord, although the foolish and ungodly perish in their vain and wicked imaginations, yet let not any of thy servants fall into their snares, but give true wisdom and understanding unto all those that love and fear thy Name. Grant that as we desire the end which we hope for, even life and glory in thy Kingdom, so we may be always careful to use those means duly, Ephes. 1.4. 1 Pet. 1.2. whereby we may attain unto the same, working out our salvation with fear and trembling; and that as we are desirous to escape death and destruction, so we may be as careful to shun those things which are the cause and procurers thereof, and to avoid those paths which lead directly to the congregation of the dead and damned. Thus doing we shall not die, but live and be saved eternally. The Book of Nature. NExt unto the Book of Books, the sacred and holy Scriptures, which are written with the finger of the Spirit of God, and wherein the manifold and unsearchable wisdom of God, and those great and glorious mysteries are most clearly revealed to them that have eyes to behold them: Ephe. 3.9.10. Next unto this, the heavens are the clearest and fairest Book that we can open or read in. Thence we may learn what profound and excellent knowledge; yea, he that hath skill of never a Letter, may herein read distinctly the magnificence, ●●b 37.23. ●●al. 19.1. the power, the wisdom, the glory and majesty of the Almighty Lord and Creator of all things. ●●m. 1.20 He is altogether inexcusable, that hath no skill, no desire, no endeavour, to gather instruction unto himself out of it; or that having it so long open before him, shows himself to be a Non-proficient, one that is nothing at all bettered by it, in regard of his knowledge and understanding of those things which concern GOD, and his Worship and Service. Lord, let that Book of thine be never closed or sealed unto me; neither let mine eyes be so dim, that I should not be able to read those things which thou hast written therein in such great and Capital Letters, and with such a clear and legible hand: but give me the right understanding of the same, and grant that from thence I may learn to fear, to love, to praise, and extol thy great and glorious Name, who art so exceeding wonderful in all thy works. God's marvelous workmanship in the frame of the world. IF thou seest a stately Palace, or some rare and exquisite frame, wrought by the hand and by the curious Art of man, thou dost presently wonder and admire at it, and withal give large commendations of him whose workmanship it was. Lo, thou beholdest every day that most exquisite and glorious frame of heaven and earth, the work of Gods own hand; Psal. 8.3. and 135.6. the roof whereof is bespangled and adorned with those celestial creatures, Eccle. 3.11 those glorious Lights, the Sun, the Moon, and all those bright and glittering Stars, in which the wonderful glory and wisdom of the Creator shineth forth so clearly, Psal. 104.24. & 111.2. that even the blind Heathen could not but see and acknowledge it; yea, the whole building whereof, even every part of it, is most admirable, such as that it showeth plainly, that it had no other to be the Maker and builder of it then GOD himself; job 38. and yet thou never or seldom lookest upon it with an holy admiration, thou art never moved with the serious consideration of it, to acknowledge the great and wondrous work of God therein, and to magnify the Creator of all things. O the blindness and senselessness, nay, Psal. 92.5.6. brutishness of man! Lord, do thou raise up my thoughts to the due meditation of thy unspeakable wisdom, power, goodness & mercy in those things which thou hast created and made for thine own glory, and for the use and benefit of man; even those wonders of thine in the heaven, the earth, the sea and all places: Psal. 107.12.24. Rom. 1.20 Let me in them see the invisible things of thee who art God and Lord of all, even the infinite power and glory of thy eternal and incomprehensible Deity: job. 26.14 Let me acknowledge thy goodness and mercy towards me (a worm of the earth) for whose sake thou hast made heaven and earth; yea, let me never cease to praise and glorify thee, whose name is so excellent in all the world, who art Creator and Governor of all things, holy and blessed for ever. Amen. The creatures provoke man to serve his Creator. ALL creatures serve their Lord and maker. The birds of the air by their pleasant notes and cheerful melody, sing praise unto their Creator; Psal. 104. the fishes of the Sea, the beasts of the field, by serving for the use of man according to the ordinance and appointment of God. Even the creatures without sense and life, the Sun, the Moon, the Stars; all these keep their places, their motions which he hath assigned unto them; all these declare the glory of God their maker, and show forth his power and wisdom. Psal. 145.10. Man only is found disobedient, unserviceable; nay, rebellious against his Creator, who of all should chief be serviceable and obedient unto him, since all things were made for his sake, even to draw him to love, to duty and obedience, that so he might glorify his Creator who had so highly honoured and advanced him. jerem. 8.7. O blessed Lord, far be it from me, to be more senseless than the bruit beasts, yea, the insensible creatures themselves. O let it be far from me, to be so unkind, so undutiful, so ingrateful, so stubborn and disobedient towards thee my God, my Creator, my Father, my Sovereign, to whom I own all service and homage; yea, let me pass the beasts in duty and obedience, or else even they (those dumb and unreasonable creatures) shall be witnesses to testify against me, and cause thee to proceed in judgement, Psal. 8.4.5. and to give sentence with more rigour and severity to my deeper condemnation. The greatness of the benefit of the redemption of mankind by Christ, and how much we are bound unto God for the same. IF any one of us were taken by his enemy, put into a dark prison or deep dungeon, where he could see no light of the Sun, or of the Moon, not any of the Stars for a long season; and besides this, were laden also with many heavy chains and irons, and no ways able to help himself out of that misery, yea, in regard of any means which himself could use were clean out of all hope ever to be delivered, sure to rot and perish; would he not think himself much beholding, and greatly indebted unto him that should freely of his own love and voluntary accord seek to bring him out of that woeful estate, unto light, life, and liberty; especially, if so be that he that did him this favour were one of whom he never deserved any thing: yea, to whom he had been a professed and open enemy? 1 Tim. 1.17 Revel. 4.10.11. O then how much more ought we (even all such as are the chosen of God, and the redeemed of Christ jesus) to magnify the grace and the tender mercy of God our Saviour towards us? how deeply are we to acknowledge ourselves to be indebted unto him for the exceeding riches of his love and unspeakable kindness towards us? how are we to praise his name, and to extol his infinite goodness and bounty, so graciously vouchsafed, and so manifestly declared unto us; seeing that no prison, no darkness, no bondage, no misery, is, Isai. 42.6.7. Zach. 9.11. or can be like unto that wherein we were enclosed, and shut fast up, without all hope of ever enjoying the light of that glorious Sun of righteousness, or once beholding the bright beams of that rich grace & mercy of God, which now shine so clearly & so comfortably upon us in the face of Christ jesus our Lord; & seeing that we being holden under sin and Satan, and sitting in the shadow of death, were never able in any wise, by any means whatsoever procured by ourselves or others (Angels, or any creature else) to have recovered ourselves, but should have lain rotting in that woeful and damnable estate, and so have perished eternally, if God of his mere love had not vouchsafed special grace and favour unto us, and that when we were his enemies, Rom. 5.10 Isay. 49.9. Luke. 1.79. and freed, and redeemed us from that miserable bondage and thraldom, yea, from the power of darkness, even death and destruction itself, and translated us into that glorious liberty of his Saints in light; and this by no small or ordinary means, 1 Pet. 1.18. but by the shedding of the precious blood of Christ his dear son our blessed Saviour, who loved us, and according to the determinate counsel and decree of God, gave himself to be crucified & slain for us; even for us that had dealt most treacherously and rebelliously against him, & made ourselves altogether unworthy of the least mercy and favour of his. O merciful God, heavenly father, give me to see what, and how great this benefit is which I have received from thee, in and through thy Christ. Let me ever be mindful of it, and unfeignedly thankful unto thee for it; yea, as this bountiful and inestimable goodness of thine towards me (so sinful a wretch, and so unworthy a creature as I am, and have been) deserveth all praise, so let me endeavour by all means to set forth and to publish the same, unto the glory of thy grace, whereby in the riches of thy love, through thy beloved, thou hast done so great and wonderful things for me, for which I can never be sufficiently thankful, nor return that praise which is most due unto thee. Oh that thou wouldst draw me yet nearer unto thee, & cause me even to melt in love towards thee my God and Saviour, and with heart, voice, and life to magnify and extol thy name; yea, to give up myself both body and soul, and all that is within me, unto thy service, and to the advancement of thy glory, both now and ever, Amen. Thankfulness to God for all his favours towards us, especially that wonderful love of his in our redemption. IF GOD had given us nothing but our being, we ought to be stirred up with the remembrance of that alone, to be thankful unto him, and to acknowledge his mercy and goodness towards us herein. But now, seeing that he maketh us Lords of all these senseless and unreasonable creatures, Psal. 8.6. whereas he might have made us brutish, and void of sense and reason, like unto them, 21. (for we were all made of the same common matter with them, and were in his hands as the clay in the hand of the potter to be wrought to what form and fashion it pleased him the Creator of all things; 42. ) seeing he hath preferred us before all these visible creatures, making them to serve us, whereas he might have subjecteth us unto them; and in every creature both in heaven and earth, doth sparkle towards us his love with innumerable benefits: yea, (which is the sum of all,) in Christ upon the Cross, casts forth the flame of perfect charity, and of his infinite & unspeakable mercy and kindness towards us; sure our hearts are frozen and even dead within us, if we be not moved to love him with an entire and unfeigned love. How should we be affected with these things? O blessed LORD touch my heart with a true and lively sense and feeling of the riches of that endless & incomprehensible love of thine towards me: enlarge this narrow heart of mine, that I may be able in some measure with all thy Saints to comprehend the breadth, Eph. 3.18.19 length, depth and height of that wonderful and unspeakeale kindness of thine towards me in thy Christ which passeth all knowledge. Inflame my affections with the meditation thereof, and let me be constrained thereby to love thee with all my heart, with all my soul, with all my strength; ever to acknowledge thy free grace and marvelous goodness towards me, and for the same to sing praises unto thee continually, who only art worthy to be praised and magnified now and for ever, Amen. Who are the redeemed of Christ. THey that are Christ's are led by the spirit of Christ, that dwells in them, rules them, Rom. 8.9.14 governs & sanctifies them throughout. It freeth them from the law of sin and death, and causeth them to live the life of grace and holiness: Rom. 8.2. they are crucified with Christ, in regard of their corrupt and fleshly nature, and the sinful lusts and affections thereof; Gal. 2.19. & 5.24. 1 Cor. 3.16.17. 2 Cor. 6.16. so that they live not now (as they did before) but Christ liveth in them, & maketh them a mansion and a holy temple, fitted and prepared for the blessed and glorious God, to rest and to abide in for evermore. This is a truth that the Scriptures of God have sealed, and therefore cannot be denied, or once doubted of, except we will give the lie unto the spirit of truth itself, who hath spoken it. Whose then are they that are led altogether by the spirit of the world (even that wicked spirit that worketh in the hearts of the children of disobedience) by the spirit of envy, Ephes. 2.2. maliciousness, uncleanness, profaneness, etc. walking after their own lusts, following the sway of their own corrupt and sinful nature, and delighting in fulfilling the will of the flesh, and of the mind, resisting the spirit of grace, and rebelling against Christ, Luk. 19.14 and that light which he hath revealed unto them, in his word; so that they will not have him to rule over them? Surely, Luk. 19.14 1 joh. 3.8.10. they are exceeding blind, and marvelous full of self-love and vain presumption, if they can think that they are Christ's, redeemed by his blood, and justified by his grace: nay, if they can once imagine themselves to be otherwise then of Satan (the god of this world) such as (if they continue in that estate wherein they are) he will cause to be slain before his face, Luk. 19.27 Rom. 8.13 when he shall appear in the brightness of his glory; yea, Psal. 2.9. 2 Thes. 1.8 Matt. 25.46. bruise and crush them in pieces, as it were, with a rod of iron, and cast them into hell, where they shall be kept for ever in chains of darkness with the rest of those damned spirits, because they have taken part with Satan against Christ, and showed themselves to be enemies to him, in refusing to believe & obey his blessed Gospel. Let not therefore their own hearts (which are very deceitful) nor Satan (who hath been a liar & a murderer from the beginning) deceive & delude them any longer. jere. 17.9. john 8.4. Let them know what they are, and whose they are; and let them (as they have cause) fear and tremble, whiles they think of it, and labour by all means to dispossess that evil spirit that heretofore hath had the rule & sway over them, and in stead thereof to have the holy & sanctifying spirit of God dwelling and abiding in them, crucifying and mortifying their wicked and corrupt nature, quickening them unto a spiritual life, and leading them forward continually to the constant and conscionable practice of all the duties of righteousness and holiness required of them, that hereby they may have the Lords seal set upon them, Rom. 8.14 and be marked out for the redeemed of Christ jesus, those whom he hath bought from this world and Satan, to live with him in glory for ever. Gracious LORD, as it hath pleased thee of thy free and undeserved grace to redeem me by the blood of Christ my Saviour, & to unite me to him by a true, saving, and justifying faith, apprehending and laying hold of his merits and absolute satisfaction for my full reconciliation unto thee; so vouchsafe also in the riches of thy mercies, and for thy promise and covenant sake, jer. 32.40. Ezek. 36.26.27. made with me in that beloved One, to endue me with the spirit of Christ unto true sanctification and holiness both of heart, of life, and of conversation: pour out those clean waters upon my soul, which may purge and cleanse me from all iniquity; let me find the flesh daily more and more crucified in me, with the sinful lusts and affections thereof; and let me feel the spirit powerful and effectual in me; yea, mightily prevailing within me, to the mortifying and abolishing of the old man of sin, and to the subduing of every corruption, especially those which heretofore have been the strongest in me, and had the greatest hand over me; as also to the quickening and increasing of every saving grace in me, faith, love, hope, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, meekness, sobriety, temperance, patience, godliness and the rest: that so not only living, but also walking in the spirit; yea, having the spirit of thy Christ ruling and reigning in me, I may be more assured daily, upon good evidence, that I am not of the world, nor of Satan, but that I am a true and lively member of the mystical body of the Lord jesus, redeemed by his precious blood, shed for me; that I am his and he is mine, Cant. 2.16 joh. 17. ver. 10.23▪ 24. Ephes. 2.6 & 4.10. joh. 14.2.3. and that together with him after a while, I shall be raised up unto those heavenly places, into which he is already ascended, and where I shall enjoy that blessed fellowship and communion of thee the everliving God, in the fullness of joy and blessedness, lauding and praising thee uncessantly with all thy chosen Saints and elect Angels for evermore, and that only through the merits of my blessed Saviour, to whom with thee, O Father, and thy gracious Spirit, three distinct persons, but one most wise ●●d glorious God, be ascribed (as due is) all honour, might, and majesty, dignity and dominion, both now and evermore. Amen. Hypocrisy, the vanity and danger of it. HOW great is the folly of those that choose rather to serve God in hypocrisy then in truth and sincerity; to seem to be holy, then to be so indeed? They please not God; yea, rather they are an abomination unto him, Psal. 5.6. his soul loathes them, because they make the outward badge and cognizance of his children a cloak of their impiety and wickedness. They want that which is the life of a Christian, true spiritual comfort, and constant and heavenly joy. job 20.5. They lose that blessed reward which is promised unto them; and them only that walk in uprightness and singleness of heart before him: Gen. 17.1 Prou. 10.9 and that vizard which through vanity they have put upon them, to delude the world withal, shall at length be plucked off from their faces, to their shame and perpetual reproach and infamy. For that which is feigned and counterfeit cannot stand long; Mat. 21.19 and it is a true saying, He that gins Religion in Hypocrisy, ends in Apostasy. O blessed LORD, let my heart be always upright before thee. Let it be my desire ever rather to be more than I seem to be, then to seem to be that which I am not, (for alas what will it avail me to dissemble before thee my God, who art of so clear eyes that nothing can be covered or hid from thee, job. 26.6. who art the seer and the searcher of the very heart and reins, Heb. 4.13. Pro. 15.11 and discernest the secretest thoughts and intents of the mind and soul; yea, long before they are.) O far be it from me to turn aside into crooked ways with those that are workers of iniquity, Psal. 125.5 job. 15.34 & 27.8. Matth. 24.51. & 23.27. whom thou hatest, and to whom thou hast threatened endless and everlasting destruction and confusion without recovery; but let it be my continual care and endeavour to serve thee in spirit and in truth all my days, and to walk continually as in thy presence, seeking to please thee, and to increase more and more in all the fruits of righteousness and perfect holiness, that so my whole course may be acceptable unto thee, I may be filled with the joys of thy spirit here, job. 8.21. & 15.11. (those sweet and heavenly refresh which the hypocrite may talk of, but never sound tasted of) and be crowned with glory hereafter in thy kingdom for evermore, Amen. God beareth with the frailties and weaknesses of his Children. PARENT'S delight in their Children, not only when they are come to man's estate, but also when they begin first to creep on the ground, and to speak some few words in an imperfect manner. And will GOD our heavenly Father despise the poor endeavours of his weak and little ones, Psal. 119.5 who cry unto him continually for strength and ability to perform that which he requireth of them, Rom. 7.24. and grieve, yea, mourn uncessantly that they are not able to walk with more steadfastness and sincerity in his ways. far be it from us, once to think or imagine this: for what were this else, then to make the Lord less pitiful, Psal. 86 15 and 145.8. less tenderly affected and compassionate towards his, then earthly Parents are unto theirs; the very thought whereof is no small sin, but exceeding displeasing unto him, whose love towards his children doth infinitely surpass and exceed the natural affection of any Parent whatsoever, Psal. 27.10 even as far as the heavens exceed the earth; Psal. 103.11.13. (their love being but a shadow of that which is in him in an infinite and unspeakable manner;) yea, what were it else, then to call his truth and faithfulness into question, and to deny him to be that which he hath declared and revealed himself to be, and bound himself by promise, Exod. 34.6.7. Mal. 3.17. to show himself to be unto his, whom he hath chosen unto himself, and upon whom his delight is set; yea, it were to derogate from his glory, seeing he will be glorified as well in the acknowledgement of his goodness and mercy towards his children that fear him, Pro. 8.31. as of his justice and severity towards the wicked and ungodly that know him not. Blessed Lord, and gracious Father, thou knowest the desire of my heart; Psa. 119.40 thou seest with how many weaknesses and infirmities I am compassed about continually, how many lets and hindrances are cast before me in the way of godliness, which leadeth unto life and salvation; thou discernest perfectly what I am made of, Psa. 103.14 how frail and feeble my nature is, even as the dust, or as the withering hay; into what form and mould I am cast, yea, that I am nothing without thee, and thy quickening and strengthening grace; ready to sin against thee every hour, every moment. O be thou merciful unto me, spare me as thou hast promised, as a Father doth his little ones in whom he delighteth. Pardon my sins, heal my infirmities, accept my weak and imperfect endeavours, give me a continual supply of thy heavenly grace, and a greater measure of strength and ability to walk before thee with a perfect heart, and to serve thee with cheerfulness, and alacrity and in truth and sincerity all my days, until I come at length unto that perfection both of grace and glory, whereof I shall be made partaker in thy Kingdom for ever. Amen. Good Motions. EVery good motion arising at any time in the heart of any one, is the voice of God himself, Isay 30.21 speaking inwardly unto the soul and conscience of man, and therefore never to be lightly accounted of, much less to be smothered, or wilfully resisted and gainsaid (for that is a most fearful thing, jerem. 6.16. & 18.12. even rebellion against God, and the voice of his spirit which speaketh in them, and unto them) but always diligently to be hearkened unto, and by all means to be embraced and cherished, that so it may become effectual, and not die and vanish away without fruit or profit, to the hardening of the heart, and the making of it the more uncapable of grace and goodness; the ordinary and most fearful judgement which the Lord usually bringeth upon men for so great a wickedness. Rom. 1.28 Psal. 106.15. & 81.12.13. 1 Thes. 5.19. Good Lord, suffer me not at any time to quench thy spirit, to resist that heavenly voice of thine speaking unto me according unto thy word, lest thou give me over to hardness of heart; Cant. 5.2. but whensoever thou dost knock at the door of my heart and soul, reve. 3.20 let me be ready presently to open unto thee, and to give thee the best entertainment that I can, by yielding myself every-ways pliable and flexible unto thee: whensoever thou dost inspire me with any good motion or holy desire, grant that I may use all means whereby the same may be quickened and increased, that so thine own work may daily be more and more perfected in me. Yielding to the wicked motions and desires of the heart. THe vain and wicked desires of the heart can never be satisfied; yea, Isa. 57.20. the more that any doth feed them, the more insatiable shall he find them. He can never be filled, never have enough of them. Who seethe not this most clearly in the covetous, the voluptuous, the ambitious, yea, in all such as give the reins unto their own sinful and inordinate affections. It is as it were a fire in their bones, which will never be quenched, till the fuel which ministereth continually new matter unto it be quite taken away. It is as it were the flame of hell, kindled by Satan himself, to the scorching of the conscience, which is drowned in these earthly, these sinful, & these sensual delights. It is like a greedy worm which continually lies gnawing upon the soul, and in time will eat out the very heart & entrails, if the evil be not timely prevented. O blessed Lord, withdraw my heart I beseech thee, daily more and more from these lying and deceitful vanities, which can never yield me any true contentment, but rather be a cause of torment and vexation unto me, robbing me not only of thy grace but of my peace also, seeing my mind can never be satisfied with them. And grant that the desires of my heart may be set wholly upon thee, who art the fountain of all goodness, of all true bliss and happiness, that so I may be satisfied and replenished with the plentifulness and abundant riches of thy grace and heavenly blessings, Rom. 2.10 Gal. 6.6. and have thy peace and mercy resting upon me, and abiding with me all my days. Amen. How fearful a thing it is for a man to be left unto himself, and to his own desires. THere can no greater evil befall any man in this world, then to be left unto himself, Psal. 81.12 Isai. 1.5. & 63.17. unto his own will and ways, and to the corrupt desires and affections which are most pleasing to his wicked heart and unsanctified nature. Of all judgements which the Lord doth suffer to come upon men in this life, it is the greatest and most dangerous, though thorough the marvelous blindness and sottishness that is in men, lest either discerned, or feared of the most. Better were it for them by any means to be restrained from those things which their corrupt nature is prone unto; yea, better were it for them to be held down continually with some painful sickness and grievous disease, or to be laid fast up in close prison all their lives long, and to endure the greatest outward misery that can be, unto their dying hour. O blessed Lord, give me not over unto the ways of mine own heart (an insensible, but of all judgements the most fearful) leave me not unto myself, suffer me not at any time to wander and go astray from thee by following those things which are good in mine own eyes, and pleasing unto carnal and corrupt reason; O let me never fall into so great an evil, but be thou merciful unto me to order and dispose all my affections, to guide and govern me with thy spirit, and to direct my steps according unto the rule of thy holy and blessed word; that so being kept and preserved by thee from those sins whereunto of myself I am prone and inclinable, and established in every good way and work, I may glorify theein my life, and find joy and comfort in my death, and after death live and reign with thee eternally in fullness of all glory and happiness, through the merits of Christ my Saviour. The many differences between a natural and a spiritual man, one that is truly sanctified. WHat difference is there between a carnal and natural man, and him that is spiritual and truly regenerate How opposite and contrary are they in their thoughts, desires, inclinations, projects, purposes, and practices; in brief, in the whole course and carriage of their lives? It is wonderful to observe and see how exceedingly they differ, what a marvelous contrariety there is between them: the natural man doth always eye those things which are visible and temporal; the spiritual, 2 Cor. 4.18 Heb. 11.1.27 those things especially which are invisible and eternal. The natural man doth delight altogether in the creatures, and in fulfilling the wicked lusts and vain desires of his own heart, Mat. 24.38 1 Pet. 4.4. Gen. 19.9 and therefore never grieveth more than when he is most crossed in those courses which he so much affecteth; Psal. 33.21 Psal. 37.4. and 95.1. 1 Sam. 30.6. but the spiritual man's chief delight is in the Creator, the fountain of all true pleasure and delight; and in feeding his soul with good thoughts, 1 Pet. 1.3.6. blessed hopes, holy desires, and divine and heavenly meditations, Psa. 119.97 with which he can never be satiated; whereas for all earthly vanities he hath a great distaste, Gal. 6.14. and a base esteem of them, or at least, he looketh over them with a kind of holy disdain; he doth not so much affect them, but that he doth earnestly desire and endeavour to restrain his mind from the sinful and inordinate love of them, and never thinks himself better at ease, then when he can most wean his affections from them, Eccle. 2.17 and crucify that corrupt nature of his, with the wicked motions and concupiscence thereof, Gal. 5.24. than which he findeth nothing more grievous and burdensome unto him, or from which he hath a greater desire to be altogether freed. Rom. 7.24 The natural man is led with the spirit of Satan, Ephes. 2.2 and of this world, which ruleth and reigneth; yea, rageth in him: the spiritual man is led by the Spirit of Christ and of God, Rom. 8.9.14. that holy and sanctifying Spirit of grace; which dwells in him, rules, governs, and directeth him, and leadeth him forth into the ways of righteousness and holiness. The natural man doth wholly wed himself to the world, Hosea 2.5. james 4.4. and therefore savours nothing but the things of this earth, joh. 3.31. Rom. 8.5. dotes fond upon them, and lies groveling upon this slime and base mould, like a Mucke-worme, vainly supposing that there can be no greater happiness then to enjoy abundantly the pleasures, honours, preferments, profits, and commodities thereof; and therefore being foolishly enamoured, Phil. 3.19. 2 Pet. 2.19 or rather strangely besotted, with the whorish love of it, doth in a base and sordid manner even devour himself to the service of it: But the spiritual man doth not so love the world, but that (when he hath his eyes in his head,) he flies from it, as far as with convenience he may, knowing the vanity, and the exceeding both danger and deceitfulness of it; 1 Tim. 6.9 10.17. Eccles. 1.2.14. 1 Cor. 7.31 Psa. 119.19 Heb. 11.9. Phil. 3.20. Gal. 6.14. he useth it as if he used it not, maketh himself a stranger to it, and had rather utterly renounce and give it over, and be divorced and quite separated from it, then be so much yoked unto it as he seethe others are, or tied with so strait bonds of love and amity as that seeketh to chain and fasten him unto it, and so to draw him to a more near and entire union with it then he desires; yea, so contrary is it to his mind to be matched or joined in any league with it, that he accounteth himself most happy when he hath least to do with it, and most freed from the encumbrances of it; that so he may soar aloft, and have more fellowship and communion with God, and greater liberty wholly to devote himself to his worship and service, assuredly persuading himself, that herein and in nothing else consisteth true felicity and happiness, and therefore wisely maketh it his chief treasure, that which he esteemeth far above all other things. The natural man seeketh for comfort and contentment only in sensible and external things; the spiritual, Eccl. 11.9. Luk. 12.9.29. & 16.19 Psal. 4.6.7 & 37.4. in the inward graces of God's Spirit, and in the assurance of his love and favour, which is a greater joy and refreshing unto him then all other things whatsoever? Yea, the sweetness of the world is bitterness to him in comparison of this. Phil. 2.21. The natural man seeketh his own private good, that which may be most for thee advancement of his outward state in the world; his own credit, honour, profit and commodity, without any respect unto others, the care of whom he thinks little or nothing appertaineth unto him, if they be not such as nature hath linked and chained unto him by such bonds as the very Heathen themselves would not break. But the spiritual and regenerate man seeketh the good of others, 1 Cor. 24.33. 1 Cor. 13.5 as well as his own, yea, he doth rather desire (if he may conveniently do it) to benefit many others than himself alone, since he knoweth well that he was not borne for himself, but for others also, and that he is no less bound to others then to himself, james. 2.8. and therefore not only to wish, but, as far as he can, to procure their good with the same affection that he doth his own. The natural man cares not how much, or how oft he offends or provokes others, so that he may please himself, and satisfy his own lusts, yea, it's a pastime to him many times to grieve, disquiet, and molest others, and those especially that are most innocent and harmless, Psal. 56.5. & 97.4. Psal 59.3. & 64.4. neither thinking nor speaking, much less working any evil against him, but rather praying for him, and seeking and desiring his good. The spiritual man on the contrary is very loath to give offence unto any, yea, to the meanest and simplest ones; 2 Cor. 6.3. 1 Cor. 10.33. 1 joh. 2.20 Rom. 15.2 1 Cor. 8.13. 2 Cor. 6.3 2 Cor. 13.5. he seeks to please his neighbour as well as himself, and had rather do or suffer that which would be some ways inconvenient to him, then that his weak brother should be displeased or offended at him; he is very wise and wary this ways; so far is he from delighting to grieve or provoke others, that he is much grieved when he seethe that others take occasion (where there is none given) to be grieved and displeased with him, or by means of him; and seeks presently in a loving affection towards them to heal that wound, and to salve that sore which they have rather brought upon themselves then taken from him. The natural man doth scarce love his best friends, except it be carnally & in worldly respects, Psal. 41.6.9. & 62.4. so far as he may make use of them, and receive some benefit by them; the spiritual man doth love, and that entirely and unfeignedly even his greatest enemies, Psal. 35.13.14. Mat. 5.44. Acts. 7.60. 2. Sam. 16.11 2. Cor. 11.30 Phil. 4.12. 2 Cor. 12.10 Acts. 5.41. those that seek his hurt, and are most maliciously bend against him. The natural man is greatly afraid of contempt, disgrace, and ignominy; he cannot with patience endure to be reviled, or abased by any means; the spiritual man willingly under-goeth this; yea, he rejoiceth when he is thus humbled; he accounteth it a matter of great joy that he hath this honour vouchsafed unto him, to suffer rebuke for Christ, and for righteousness sake; he esteemeth more of it then of all the treasures of the world, Heb. 11.26 hath more joy whiles he suffereth, than others whiles they wrong him; or if he be any ways grieved, it is not for his own sake so much as for theirs who are his enemies unjustly, and speak evil of him falsely to the dishonour of God, and the great hurt of their own souls. The natural man is never thoroughly content when his estate is best, Num. 11.6 Psal. 78.18 but seeks causes of discontentment where there are none; the spiritual man is always content (even when his estate is at the worst) or at least he desireth, 2 Cor. 4.8 Phil. 4.11 and endeavoureth to be so. The natural man seeketh for praise and estimation amongst men, to be in account and reputation above that which he deserveth, and to be honoured and applauded of the world; 1 Sam. 15.30. Ester. 5.9 the spiritual man aimeth in all things at this especially, that whatsoever becomes of him, or howsoever it fareth with him, God may be glorified by him; that he may receive that praise and honour which is due unto his name, 1. Thes. 2.6. Phil. 1.20 2 Cor. 6.8 though himself suffers the greatest disgrace, and be exposed to the greatest ignominy and dishonour that may be. The natural man esteemeth death his greatest enemy; the very remembrance of it is exceeding bitter unto him; he thinks (as it is indeed) that he loseth all when that comes; the spiritual man judgeth it to be no loss, no hurt, but great gain and advantage to him, Phil. 1.21. and therefore fears it not as an enemy (though in itself an enemy and somewhat fearful to him till he looketh wishly on it, and with other eyes then those of flesh and nature) but addresseth himself willingly to entertain it as a welcome guest, Luk. 2.29. & a means of much good unto him. He desires to be dislodged, and to be with Christ his Saviour, and saith often with David, Psal. 42.2. when shall I come and appear before the presence of my God? when shall I behold his face in glory, and be satisfied with the plenty of his house? and commonly the nearer he is unto death, the greater taste and feeling hath he of the life to come. The natural man lives by sense, jude. 10. and believes nothing but that he can see reason for, or bring within the compass of his brain; the spiritual man lives by faith, believing things that are far above the reach of sense and natural reason, Gala. 2.20. & which the worldling wonders that he can believe and trust to. So great is the difference between a natural and spiritual man even whiles they live together in this world; yea, more than hath been yet set forth unto us. O heavenly father, weaken I humbly pray thee, and diminish the power of corrupt nature daily more and more in me; and vouchsafe unto me such a plentiful increase of thy grace, that I may in every thing see a manifest difference in my estate, and in the whole conversation of my life from that which is in those that are altogether carnal and unregenerate; yea, that I may find such an inward change and alteration in me, such holy motions and desires, and such sanctified affections, as are in none but in those that are renewed by thy grace, and become truly spiritual, having the lively impression of thine own image, which sin had before exceedingly defaced: that thus I may not only have more full assurance of the certainty of my election and salvation, having that seal of thy spirit apparently set upon me which is proper to thy elect & chosen, but also may be every day better enabled to pass the rest of my time, which I am to live, in this sinful world, more to thy glory than I have done heretofore, even as it becometh him, whom in thy infinite mercy thou hast translated from the state of nature, into the state of grace, from the power of darkness into the kingdom of thy dear Son, to whom with thee, O Father, and thy blessed Spirit, be all praise, and thanksgiving, both now and evermore, Amen. Exhortations and Reproofs. THey that do not, as occasion serveth, and according to their places and calling, mutually exhort, rebuke and admonish one another, they have forgotten what charge the Lord hath laid upon them, Mat. 18.15 Heb. 3.13. they neglect those necessary duties which the laws of friendship and charity require of them. Levit. 19.17. Pro. 27.5.6. They are regardless of the good estate of their neighbours; for what more wholesome, what more profitable than a seasonable exhortation, admonition or reprehension? It is as precious balm, of a very sovereign nature for the curing of internal and spiritual maladies, of great use and necessity, for being blind in our imperfections, how needful is it for us to borrow our friends eyes, and to lend them ours, that so we may advise, admonish, and correct each the other to the mutual good one of another. Nay, (that I say no more) they that are sparing, or altogether careless of this duty, they are, or at least seem to be, either envious, or else quite void of all compassion towards their poor brethren, and those amongst whom they live and converse; unwilling to do so much for them, as one that hath any good nature in him, would do for the bruit beasts. Exod. 23.4.5. For who would not (as the law of God also enjoineth) take up the beast even of his enemy when it went astray, and were ready to perish, Pro 12.10 and yet they (cruel friends and merciless men) will not seek to reform, and to save the soul of their friends, yea, jam. 5.19.20 of their brethren, when it wanders out of the way of life and salvation, and is in peril (for want of their helping hand) of imminent destruction and utter confusion. far be this from me, O Lord, forgive me my former desert and want of the due performance of this so necessary and so profitable a duty, which thou commandest, and even Nature itself calleth for at my hands; and make me more careful for the time to come, of the discharge thereof in a wholesome and seasonable manner. O let not that bloody voice of Cain once proceed out of my mouth, or the least thought of it once lodge in my breast. Am I my brother's keeper? Gen. 4.9. O let not the bowels of compassion ever be so wanting in me, that I should (as far as in me lieth) suffer any of thine to perish through the neglect of that duty unto which thou hast so straightly bound me, but let me always be ready with all wisdom and Christian affection, both to exhort and admonish others, Pro. 15.31 Heb. 13.22 and to be rebuked and reclaimed myself, whensoever I shall wander and go astray from thee and from thy ways. A preservative, needful in these corrupt and infectious times. THey that live in a bad air, or infectious places, will be careful to provide themselves of preservatives, that so they may not receive that hu t thereby, which otherwise cannot be well avoided. What poison is so infectious as sin? what air so corrupt and dangerous as the example of the wicked and profane multitude? and what age more contagious than this in which we live, wherein virtue is become odious; yea, as a thing monstrous amongst many, Zach. 3.8. piety accounted simplicity and foolishness, a reproach and disgrace unto men, so that the most are half ashamed of the very profession of it; and vice and ungodliness advanced and much made of, as though it were a special grace and ornament unto those that have put it upon them. How truly may we say with the Wiseman in this regard, Eccle. 6.7. I have seen servants on horseback, & Princes walking as servants on the ground; bruitishnes, and base servile courses extolled and set in great excellency, and the most princely and heroical virtues and graces of the mind, debased and trodden under the feet of the vile and contemptible. Assuredly, job. 30.8.9 1 joh. 5.19. the world lieth in wickedness, the very dregs and sink of former times is fallen into this last and worst age, the venom whereof spreads itself daily more and more to the corrupting of others. How needful therefore is it for every one in such infectious places, and in so contagious an air to get the best preservatives whereby they may be kept from that poisonous steam, with which most are corrupted, and which in the end will prove deadly if it be not timely prevented. O LORD, seeing it cannot be avoided but that I must live for a time in this present evil world, jer. 9.2. where virtue and true godliness is contemned, and vice and wickedness gets the upper hand; the examples unto goodness so rare, unto ungodliness so many, abounding every where: seeing there be so many occasions to infect and poison my soul, and to draw me from that simplicity & godly pureness which thou requirest. Psa. 51.6. 2 Cor. 1.12. O give me grace by all means to provide myself against the danger of this evil, by walking wisely and circumspectly; yea, Eph. 5.15. do thou so preserve me with thy grace, that I may never be corrupted as others are, nor fall from my uprightness and sincerity; but carefully avoiding all occasions of sin, as the very bane of my soul, be free from those deadly diseases, into which others fall without recovery, and so die and perish in them. Delight in sin, what folly it is. I Can never marvel enough to see the extreme folly of the most who find so much sweetness, job 20.12 13 and take so great pleasure & delight in those things which they know will be as bitter in the end as gall and wormwood; nay, as death itself. Pro. 20.17 jere. 2.19. Eccl. 7.10. Poison, though it be sweet, yet because it is deadly, is carefully avoided: but sin which is the bane of the soul, how greedily is it swallowed, Rom. 6.23. because it is pleasant to the taste? Lord, suffer me not to eat of the dainties of the wicked, lest I perish with them, but cause thou my soul to loath and abhor them, that so I may live for ever. Amen. How dangerous it is to take liberty unto ones self in any one sin. He that giveth himself liberty in any one sin, is as one that lifteth up the sluices, or breaketh up the dam; 2 Sam. 11.2.4.15. Matth. 26.70.71.72 even floods will overflow and overrun him; many, great, and dangerous waters will break in upon him and overwhelm him if he look not to it in time. Good Lord, suffer me not willingly to yield unto any sin at any time, but grant that I may be careful always to stop it at the beginning, lest it get a head and prevail against me; yea, do thou make up the manifold breaches of my soul, lest I be drowned in perdition, and perish with the world of the ungodly. Another. ONe rotten member will hazard the whole body, if it be not in time cut off, and so the danger thereby prevented. This is true in the body, much more in the soul: one sin will bring death and destruction both of body and soul, Ezek. 18.31. if there be not a timely prevention. Lord, if my right eye cause me to offend, Mat. 5.29.30. let me not spare but pluck it out, and if my right hand cause me to offend, let me not delay to cut it off, and to cast it from me. Let no sin be so dear unto me, as that I should be loath to be rid of it; yea, not willing to cut it clean off from me, though with painfulness, rather than thereby to perish everlastingly. Custom in sin how dangerous it is. AS hard is it to pluck up a tree by the roots, as to cause him to leave his sin, jer. 13.23. who hath a long time been accustomed unto it. Experience every where giveth too evident proof of this; in the unclean person, the drunkard, the covetous worldling, etc. The longer that any hath continued in any sinful course, the more is he daily rooted and settled in it, and with the more difficulty drawn from it unto goodness. His mind becometh every day more blind, his conscience more seared, his heart more hardened, his will more crooked, his affections more disordered, and himself faster tied and bound, Act. 8.23. as it were, with many cords and chains unto his iniquity, so that it is impossible for him to be loosed, and to be pulled out of the snare of Satan, 2 Tim. 2.26. except the LORD vouchsafe an extraordinary grace, and work as it were a miracle upon him. So dangerous a thing is custom and continuance in any sin, in any kind of wickedness. O Lord, although through weakness and frailty I fall daily into sin, Eccl. 7.22. 1 joh. 1.8. (and cannot do otherwise) yet let me never lie or continue in the same, but seek presently to recover myself and to arise speedily out of it; that so howsoever I am subject unto many sins, yet not one of them may at any time have power and dominion over me. Another. SEest thou how it is with him that is tumbling down from an high and a steep hill; how he cannot possibly stay himself till he come unto the bottom, and by that fearful downfall be quite deprived of life, so that he can rise no more, but lieth groveling on the earth as a dead man, not able to stir hand or foot: so is it with those that once give themselves to the committing of any sin, or to delight in any wicked and ungodly course; they fall daily more and more, and that very dangerously, never staying, till in the end (if the Lord be not the more merciful, to hold forth his hand to keep them from that danger, and to save them,) they fall right down into the bottomless pit, even into the depth of hell, the place of woe and torment, to the endless perdition both of their souls and bodies. O Lord, order my ways aright; grant that I may avoid all occasions and provocations unto evil, and that I may walk wisely and circumspectly all my days, that so I may not only be preserved from that woeful downfall of the wicked, but also live in peace and safety unto the end; and in the end having escaped the danger of this evil and sinful world, may live with thee in glory for ever. Amen. Sin committed, presently to be repent of. He that hath taken down poison, will labour as soon as he can possibly to cast it up again, or else to procure some remedy for it, lest otherwise it prove his bane; and the sooner he doth this, the better it will be for him. Every sin that any one committeth, is poison to his soul: if he seek not to be clear of it, having once drunk it down, it will be his ruin, his death. How careful therefore ought every one to be, when he hath fallen into any sin, to seek for a present remedy against it; to purge and clear himself of it, by casting it up again by a true and unfeigned confession of it; and to take heed that he endeavour by all means to abstain for ever after from it, lest otherwise he perish with it. Good Lord, let me always consider how dangerous sin is unto my soul; how that if I lie in it, if I keep it in me unrepented of, it must needs be my destruction, and therefore whensoever through frailty or infirmity I shall be overtaken with any sin, and drink down that deadly poison which Satan offereth unto me in a golden Cup, and which my corrupt nature doth exceedingly desire and long after, job. 15.16. thinking that there is great sweetness in that which indeed is as bitter as death: jer. 2.19. grant that I may have an inward loathing of it, and finding my soul surcharged with it, presently empty myself of it, and be more careful for ever after to refrain from it, that so I may not die but live and praise thee. Sin truly deciphered, that being once known, it may be ever loathed and abhorred of all. A Strange thing it is that men should delight in any sin, yea, that they should not loath and abhor, & utterly abandon it for ever; if they either consider the vile and cursed nature of it, or the woeful and damnable fruits and effects of it. First, it is the most vile and abominable thing in the world: the stink and noisome smell of it hath infected heaven and earth, and made all those glorious Creatures, the Sun, the Moon, the Stars, subject unto vanity, so that they must be purged by fire in that great day of the Lord. Rom. 8.20 2 Pet. 3.10 In Scripture, besides many other names which set forth unto us the filthiness thereof, Ezek. 16. jerem. 13.27. Psal. 51.2. it is compared to the most loathsome disease in the world, even the filthy and contagious Leprosy, a disease so much abhorred, that he that was infected therewith among the jews, by Gods own ordinance was to be excluded and shut out from all company, Numb. 5.2 2 Kin. 15.5 as unmeet to live and converse amongst men; and yet this was but a type and a shadow of the filthiness and uncleanness of sin. If we had seen the jews Leprosy, it would have seemed very loathsome to us, we would have wondered at it, for the contagion of it was such, that it did not only infect the whole man who was tainted with it, but his garments also which were about him, Leu. 13.47. and sometimes also the very walls of his house, & 14.34.45 so that it was feign to be broken down, and to be cast out of the City, into an unclean place: But if we had eyes to see this spiritual Leprosy of the soul, it would seem much more loathsome unto us, we would wonder at it, & at ourselves, that we should once ever give ourselves in any sort to delight in it; yea, it would humble us, and cause us to blush, Rom. 6.21. and to hang down our heads for shame; nay, with holy job, job 42.6. even to abhor ourselves, and to abase ourselves unto the dust, and to think of ourselves as most vile, and more loathsome than any Lazar that lieth by the way, full of blains and sores; unworthy ever to come into God's presence, or to partake of his holy things, who are so unholy ourselves, and so exceedingly polluted and defiled from top to toe, Isa. 1.6. from the crown of the head to the sole of our feet, with that inbred corruption and actual pollution; yea, we would never be quiet or at rest in ourselves, till we had procured that grace and mercy of the Lord, whereby we were washed and cleansed from the filthiness of our sins and iniquity, Psal. 51.7.2.7. Heb. 10.22 with the sprinkling of the blood of that immaculate Lamb, and the pouring out of those clean waters of his sanctifying Spirit, Ezek. 16.25. Zach. 13.2 which flow out of that heavenly Sanctuary, and so found the unclean Spirit departed from us. Such is the filthy and loathsome contagion of sin; nay, surely, it is so ugly, so vile, and so loathsome, that neither I, nor any else, is able fully to decipher, or to express the ugliness and loathsomeness thereof: if we were able to paint it forth, or to lay it open in it true colours, there is no man but would even be flaited and affrighted at the very sight and appearance of it; there is none but would hate and abhor it more than the most loathsome Toad, the most venomous Serpent, or the ugliest Creature in the world. For there is no toad so loathsome, no Serpent so venomous, no creature so ugly as sin is: nay, if a man (if it were possible) should make a confection of all the Spiders, Toads, Snakes, Adders, Serpents, Vipers, and all the most filthy things in the world, it would not be half so vile and infectious as Sin is. That this may appear yet more clearly, think with thyself, what is the most detestable and execrable thing (besides sin) that possibly can be named. Is it not the Devil? I know thou wilt and needs must say so. For his very name doth affright men; and when we have named him, we think that we have reckoned the worst, and the most loathsome & hateful thing that can be: yet I tell thee, that even Satan himself, that hellish Fiend, is not so filthy, so loathsome, and deformed as sin is. Marvel not at this, as though it could not so be, but consider thoroughly of the matter, and thou wilt easily perceive and willingly acknowledge it to be so. For, what is it that makes the Devil so much abhorred both of God, men, and Angels? Is it not sin, and sin only? yes doubtless: it cannot be denied. For who knows not (that knows any thing) that those damned Spirits, even all the Devils in hell, Jude v. 6. were at the first, more glorious, excellent, lovely, and amiable Creatures, than any mortal man whatsoever; yea, that they were like Stars, Angels of light, shining and glistering with purity, holiness and righteousness, before they were stained and defiled with the loathsome contagion and infection of sin and transgression. Sin only it was that blemished that goodly beauty: Sin only it was that darkened that wonderful brightness and that resplendent glory, wherein they were at the first created, and wherein they should for ever have continued, had they not sinned against the Majesty of GOD their Creator. Sin only it was that dimmed all their light, and damped all their glory, the beams whereof would have dazzled any mortal eye. Sin only it was that of Citizens of that Royal palace, that heavenly Paradise, that celestial jerusalem, 2 Pet. 2.4. the Presence-chamber of the Lord of glory, made them wretched bondslaves, and most miserable captives, in that deep dungeon and dark prison of hell, where they are kept in everlasting chains of darkness unto that great damnation. Sin only it was that transformed them into damned Spirits, cast them down from the brightness of heavenly glory, into the darkness of hellish misery, and of bright-shining Stars, as it were, made them most ugly and loathsome Devils. In brief; Sin, and Sin only, it was, that made them as loathsome as ever they were lovely; as ugly as ever they were amiable, as greatly abhorred of God and of all his holy and elect Angels, as ever they were loved of them before. And were they freed from sin, they would become Angels of light, glorious creatures. Now then, if sin doth make others, (yea, such glorious creatures, as the Devils once were) so vile and loathsome; yea, odious unto all other creatures: oh then how vile and loathsome a thing is sin itself? Surely so hideous a monster is this monstrous Monster, (I know not how to term it) of Sin, that those whose eyes GOD hath once opened, that they are able rightly to discern of the same, will undergo any torment, 1 joh. 3.8. any sorrow, any punishment whatsoever, rather then once willingly commit the same; as we may see in the examples of many holy Martyrs, Heb. 11.35 36.37.38. and godly Professors, who have endured the loss of their goods, lands, livings; yea, and life itself: and willingly suffered all kind of tortures and torments that their cruel Adversaries and bloody Persecutors could devise or imagine, rather than they would be brought to that one sin of denying the known truth or dissembling their profession. Notable to this purpose is the saying of that ancient and religious Father, that he would wish rather to be torn in pieces with wild beasts then willingly and wittingly to commit any sin. And from a more heroical and divine spirit, Anselme. was that speech of him, that professed, that if he should have the choice either to burn in hell fire continually, or to sin any sin willingly, he would rather choose those endless & unspeakable torments, then yield consent to the other: so vile and monstrous did sin seem unto him. What should I say more? Men would be much afraid, if the Devil should appear unto them in some shape; yea, the very naming of him strikes a deep impression of fear into many. But could these once behold sin itself, which makes the devil so odious, if they could view it, as it is indeed, they would be wonderfully flaited and affrighted at the very appearance of it, it would make their hearts to tremble within them, and their hair to stand upright on their heads; they would fly from it more than from the most poisonous Serpent or venomous creature in the world; yea, as much as from the Devil himself. They would never shake hands with it, as they have done heretofore, they would never keep company with it, they would never be quiet till they were freed from the dominion and slavery of it. It would be even death unto them to have any fellowship therewith, as no doubt it is to the godly man; who, because he seethe he cannot be fully rid of it in this life, therefore is constrained often to cry out, as one that were stabbed at the heart, Woe is me that I remain in Mesheth, Psal. 120. and dwell in the tents of Kedar: or as one that had the pangs of death upon him. Rom. 7.24 O wretched man that I am, who shall deliver me from this body of death? So it is with the religious soul, when it is overswayed with the corruption of it own sinful nature, or carried away violently in a sort with the forcible blasts of Satan's temptations: Oh so far it is from doing it willingly or from taking full delight in it, that it rather complains and mourns bitterly (though secretly oftentimes) for it: It galls that man at the very heart for it; it is as it were, a prick in his eyes, or a thorn in his side: yea, every sin which he commits, when he once knows it, is as an Awl at his heart: it stingeth and woundeth his conscience, and maketh him to mourn like a Dove, and chatter like a Swallow. In a word, the very consideration of this, that he should commit so filthy a fact, and so foul an offence, causeth his heart and soul even to bleed within him. Neither hinders it any thing at all, which some might bring with some colour for the gainsaying of this. What, is sin so vile and loathsome a thing as you make it? How comes it to pass then that it seems so sweet, so amiable and pleasant, as it doth unto the most? How cometh it, that it allureth, enticeth, and draweth men unto it, causing them to follow it, to love, embrace, joy and delight in it: yea, to serve & obey it with all greediness, and to spend all their time, their strength, wit and wealth in the service of it? Can sin be so vile and deformed a monster, and yet be sought after with such great care and diligence, and pursued with so great delight and cheerfulness, as if it were some excellent & precious thing, which might well cause all to be enamoured with it. To answer thee in this; behold the depth of the mystery of Satan, here it lies; herein consists the chiefest and craftiest slight and policy of that wily Serpent, the Devil, the enemy of mankind, whereby he hath deceived & deluded many thousands, to their utter overthrow. For he knowing well enough that sin, if it should appear in his own likeness, would be abhorred of all men, deals very cunningly and deceitfully, like a crafty merchant. He casteth a goodly gloze upon it: He painteth, coloureth it, and guilds is over with the false colours of his deceivable policy, & withal, casts a mist before men's eyes, making them fond believe that its a goodly thing, a very pleasant, delightsome or profitable thing, even as the counterfeit and crafty juggler maketh simple men believe, that an Oister-shell or a Counter is a fair piece of silver or gold. And thus having trucked and trimmed up, as it were, this cursed darling of his, covering it with the false shape of some seeming good, and clothing it with the deceivable cloak of pleasure, profit, delight, or one goodly outside or other, he presents it to the view of the poor seduced sinner, as some rare or precious thing, who thinking that he hath met with some great treasure, falls presently in love with it, and will part with it for no good; and thereupon entertaineth and lodgeth this vile monster in the secretest closerts of his heart and soul. Thus Satan dealeth with men as the Panther or Leopard deals with the beasts: For that spotted and ravenous beast (as is reported of him) knowing how the rest of the beasts fly from him, by reason of his ugly head, which frays them, hides only his head, till they coming about him and gazing on his goodly spotted hide, nothing suspecting, or fearing the danger they are in, suddenly he breaketh out and maketh a prey of them: so the devil, knowing well how much sin would scare men, if they should see that ugly & deformed head of it, hideth that by all means he can, & setteth out the fine coloured skin thereof, viz. the pleasing delights & the deceitful profits and preferments of this vain and transitory world; Gen. 3.5. Mat. 4.8. with the gaud & glory whereof whiles they are bewitched as it were, and foolishly enamoured, never thinking of that hellish monster which cunningly shrouds itself under those goodly shows & enticing allurements, he thereby entangleth them unawares, and having caught them in his claws, preyeth upon them, and devoureth them with wide & open mouth, in most fearful manner. Oh if men could see that filthiness, and that vile an loathsome deformity which lieth lurking under that vail which Satan hath drawn over it to deceive and delude men withal; if they could but consider, that under those sweet and delightsome baits which are offered unto them there are most dangerous and deadly hooks, which if they be not very wary, will quickly draw them under the deep waters of everlasting destruction; if they were so wise as to remember that in that golden cup of the pleasures and profits of sin there is nothing but most rank poison, the venom whereof, will even drink up the health, yea, the life of their souls; if they could behold that loathsome toad, and that stinging serpent which lieth secretly hidden under the green and pleasant leaves of worldly and sinful delights; if they could think that in those golden apples there is such deadly poison as was in the apple which our first parents tasted of through the devils suggestion. In a word; if the eyes of their minds were opened that they might see the mystery of Satan in this work of iniquity, making sin which is so vile and so detestable in itself to seem so sweet, so lovely, and so amiable unto men, than I verily persuade myself, that they should not need to be dissuaded from it by so many motives: the very sight and appearance of it would be reasons and arguments sufficient to make them quite out of love with it, yea, to loath, hate and abhor it for ever, and to be ashamed and confounded in themselves, that they had so much to do with it heretofore. And that it may yet the more be detested & utterly abandoned and forsaken of all, it is good to consider how exceeding displeasing it is unto God; for being so loathsome in itself, it cannot but be loathed of him who is of so pure eyes, that he cannot behold wickedness. Haback. 13. Now, how fearful a thing is it, to delight in that which is so displeasing unto that glorious majesty? Every one will be afraid to displease his Prince; how much more him who is the Prince of Princes, in comparison of whom all the most princely Potentates and mighty Monarches in the world, with all their glorious pomp, and shining train are nothing; whom the Angels, the heavens, & all things in the world, besides sinful man, and the damned spirits, do serve and obey; who with the word of his mouth made all things, and with the breath of his mouth is able in one moment to confound all things, Psal. 104. and to bring them to nought again. Psal. 103.20. james. 2.19. Isai. 6.2. The Angels praise him and wonder at his greatness; the devils fear him & tremble at his power; all the Saints reverence and adore him for his goodness. Seraphin and Cherubin continually sing laud & praise unto him with covered faces; jer. 8.22. and shall man, miserable mortal man, be so shameless as to set so little by him, as to do that which is such an abomination unto him, jerem. 44.4. jesem. 3.6.7.22. & 6.28. & 11.9. & so exceeding displeasing unto his Majesty; yea, rebellion & high treason, as it were, against him who is the Lord of glory. Who doth not tremble when he thinks of this? Oh me thinks the very remembrance of this should cause the most obstinate & hardhearted sinner in the world to fear, to shiver and shake, and to be amazed and astonished, Dan. 5.6. as Belshazzar was, even in the midst of all his bravery & jollity. Me thinks it should be a forcible motive to arrows and to awake out of the dead sleep of carnal security, the most secure, the most careless and drowsie-headed sleeper in the world. Yea, me thinks it should be a bridle to curb and to restrain the most cursed Cain, the most profane Esau, the most desperate judas, the greatest blasphemer and outrageous swearer, the most licentious and lascivious person that lives upon the earth, as surely it will if they be not blind-foulded by Satan, so that they cannot see their great folly, and marvelous presumption: For knowest thou, O man, that committest the least sin against God, knowest thou (I say) what thou dost? Knowest thou what a glorious majesty thou therein offendest? No, but the devil blindeth and imboldeneth thee to thy destruction. For, were thine eyes open thou wouldst not for all the world, no not for a thousand worlds, commit so great a villainy against so great a God. Saint john fell down in a swoon at the very sight and appearance of him. Revel. 1.17 john 18.6. Exod. 33.20. judges 13.22. And no marvel: for who is able to see him & live? who is able to behold the greatness of his glory & the brightness of his Majesty? And is it not then a great marvel that thou, whosoever thou art, darest be so bold as to set thyself against him, & even to spit in his face as it were, by preferring every vile creature before him, and doing that which is so displeasing and abominable in his sight, having had express charge and commandment of him to the contrary. jerem. 2.12. O heavens be astonished at this, be afraid, and utterly confounded; so we may well cry out, considering the strangeness and wondered boldness and presumption of sins in this high dishonour and open contempt of God. Oh that men's eyes were open, that they might plainly see and consider of these things. Psal. 103.14. & 104.29. O that they would cast down their eyes, and see what they themselves are, dust, earth, weak and frail creatures, whose breath assoon as it is taken from them they die and perish: and withal, lift up their eyes and see what an infinite, powerful and glorious God, what a high, mighty, and dreadful majesty they offend and provoke grievously in the wilful commission of any one sin whatsoever. It is a wonder, yea, it is the wonderful and unspeakable mercy of God that the whole frame of heaven and earth is not for sin, yea, for one sin, utterly confounded and brought to nought. And it may well seem marvelous and wonderful in our eyes, that the Lord being of such infinite glory, power, and majesty, should bear with men for the committing of the least sin that can be, being a thing so contrary to his nature, every way so much abhorred of him. O therefore that men would love him for his goodness and great mercy, in having spared themselves thus long, who committed so many and so great sins against him; and that they would fear him for his power and unspeakable Majesty, and be moved thereby never willingly to offend him hereafter by doing the least sin whatsoever, (as men count little) but carefully shun it; yea, hate, detest, and abhor it from their hearts and souls. For this end, consider yet further, how pleasing it is unto Satan, as it is exceeding displeasing unto God; so wonderful pleasing & delightsome unto him. He delights in it, as being his own brood and cursed offspring; he first brought it into the world, john. 8.44 and him it representeth, being the express image of his corrupt and monstrous nature, and therefore he must needs take pleasure in it, seeing every thing loveth his own, and that which doth most resemble itself. Besides, how pleasing it is to him, it is evident by that great desire which he hath, and that great diligence which he useth to draw, and even to force men unto it. It is neither silver, gold, jewels, pearls, or any such like precious thing in the world which he seeketh after. He cares not for all these, he regards them not at all; he is not so covetous or ambitious in this regard as men are: But this is his care, his study; this he laboureth for, and aimeth at continually, even to make the souls of men spotted and defiled with sin, that so he may see in them the resemblance of his loathsome visage and ugly deformity. This he continually hunteth after, about this he spendeth all his labour and industry. He seeketh continually where he may hatch this cockatrice egg, and so bring forth that loathsome monster of abominable sin. He compasseth the earth to and fro, and traverseth over every part and parcel of it, sparing for no pains, so that he may effect this. All his plots and projects tend unto this. It is even meat & drink unto him to bring men hereunto. And therefore he useth many fetches, many policies & crafty devices to inveigle, to ensnare, and to entangle men before they be aware of him; one while by this means, another by that. For as the Scribes and Pharisees compassed sea and land to make a Proselyte, Math. 23.15. a superstitious hypocrite, like unto themselves: job. 2. ●. So Satan seeks by all means to make others like unto him, even besmeared and defiled with sin as he is. He makes as though he were a friend, when he is a most deadly foe; yea, he will not stick to give men a view of all the pleasures, profits, and preferments of this life, and to say unto them as he did unto Christ; Math. 4.9. All these will I give thee, if thou wilt worship me; if thou wilt obey me in the commission of any sin. Thus he offereth continually unto his guests a draft of most deadly poison, in the golden cup of sinful and worldly pleasures, profits and delights, that so with the sweet relish and pleasant savour thereof, he may entice & allure them to drink deeply of it, till they be enchanted by it, and become like unto himself transformed into his own image. In brief, he seeks by all means to draw, and even to hale men unto the committing of it. It's his daily and usual trade. He never setteth himself to any other business. He is never at rest, but always stirring and striving to achieve and to bring to pass this devilish enterprise; and will never be satisfied, although he hath employed himself & his wicked instruments in this cursed work, both night and day, almost for the space of these six thousand years together. With such an eager desire to effect & accomplish it, is he carried continually; an evident proof that he hath marvelous delight and pleasure in it. Now who would delight in that which the devil so much delighteth in? who would take any pleasure in that which is so pleasing unto him? What a shame & disgrace is this to any one? what a blot and stain unto the soul of man? There is none of us but would take it very heinously of him, that should tell him that he did nothing else in the whole course of his life, but seek to please the Devil, and to satisfy his desires: & yet thus do all they that love sin, and give themselves to any kind of iniquity. Fie upon it, that any should so much forget himself, as to take any pleasure or delight in pleasing so foul a fiend, so deadly a foe, thereby in the mean while vexing and grieving the good and gracious spirit of God? Rom. 6.21. Who should not blush even to think of the committing of it, seeing thereby he not only displeaseth God, whom he ought to love above all things, but also exceedingly pleaseth the Devil, making him sport and pastime, as it were, and causing him to triumph over him, who of all creatures ought to be most loathed and abhorred of him. To please the Devil and to displease God, what a shame is it? to honour a slave, and to dishonour the Master, what a folly is it? to labour to serve him, and to fulfil his lusts with the loss of their own souls; yea, to prefer him before the eternal and most glorious God of heaven & earth, the author of all our good; oh what a heinous and horrible fact is it? what greater abomination can be devised? And yet thus doth every one that liveth in sin willingly. He placeth the Devil before God: he selleth himself from God to the Devil for a few transitory pleasures, profits, and preferments of this wicked world: nay, he doth, as it were, put God and the Devil together in one and the same balance; God in the one Scale, and the Devil in the other; and at last makes the Scale wherein the Devil is, to weigh heaviest, preferring him before the Lord of glory. A wonder of wonders it is that any should be thus foolish, thus sottish and senseless; and a thing which one would think incredible, if we did not see thousands continually thus blinded and bewitched by Satan. Consider yet further the cursed and woeful effects of sin, and wonder how thou canst delight in it any longer. It cast the wicked Angels from heaven to hell, 2 Pet. 2.4. from the height of glory to the depth of misery: Gen. 3.24. It turned our first Parents and all their posterity out of Paradise; & whereas before they were in a most blessed and happy estate, made them of all creatures (next unto Satan himself) most miserable, odious and abhorred of God, and subject to infinite evils, in this life, Deut. 28. Levit 26. Psal. 32.10 Pro. 24.20. Isay 6.10. and 57.20.21. Ephes. 2.2. and in the life to come: infinite sorrows, plagues, miseries, and most fearful judgements; blindness of mind, hardness of heart, deadness of spirit, horror of conscience, vexation and anguish of soul, bondage under Satan the Prince of darkness; and banishment from God (the fountain of all bliss) 2 Thes. 1.9 and the hope of the glory of his heavenly Kingdom. It defaceth God's Image, disfigureth the soul, and makes men monsters, Isay 1.3. worse than the brutish creatures; All these are the fruit of sin, besides the many and grievous maladies and diseases with which the body and outward man by means hereof is afflicted and oppressed; who is able to rehearse them? or who is there that doth not often complain of them, and groan under the burden of them? And finally, it openeth a gate into hell, and setteth it wide open for men to enter in at to their eternal confusion. Mat. 7.13. The Devil is the Porter, as it were, standing continually at the gate, ready to receive them in: and sin is the key that unlocketh the door, Pro. 21. 1● and leadeth unto that place of destruction, the Congregation of the dead and damned. And such is the folly and extreme madness of wretched and sinful men, that they daily knock at hell gates, and call as it were, for the Porter to let them in; yea, as though that were not enough, they bring the key, and open the door themselves, which leadeth unto the fearful place of endless desolation. Who is there so blind, so hardhearted, so void of Grace, yea, Reason and common understanding, with whom all these motives should not be of force to cause him to loath all manner of sin, and utterly to forsake the same, and to give it an everlasting farewell, Eph. 5.11. how pleasing and delightful soever it hath seemed heretofore? yea, that should not think it too much that he hath done heretofore, 1 Pet. 4.3. and be ashamed of it, Psal. 119.106. and purpose and resolve willingly never to do the like hereafter? O merciful GOD, discover unto me daily, more and more, the cursed nature, and woeful effects of sin and iniquity: let the films and scales which Satan seeketh to draw over mine eyes to blind and delude me, be taken away from me. Let not those fair shows and counterfeit glosses of sinful pleasures, profits, honour, and the vain and deceitful things of this world, with which he seeks to blear mine eyes, any longer deceive me, as they do the most. But let me see daily more clearly in the Crystal glass of thy Word, the ugly and deformed image of sin, the wretched nature, and fearful and damnable effects of it; how heinous and grievous it is in itself; how exceeding offensive unto thee, and how pleasing and delightful unto Satan; how it alienateth and estrangeth men from thee, Isay 59.2. defaceth thy Image, and transformeth them into the likeness of Satan, john 8.44 1 john 3.8 maketh them his slaves and vassals; how it depriveth them of thy grace & of all good things, jer. 5.25. and bringeth all evil and mischief upon them, both in their bodies and souls, in this life and in the life to come. Let me see these things, and wisely consider of them, and so be brought to a true hatred, and thorough dislike and detestation of all manner of sin and wickedness, how pleasing soever it hath been unto my nature heretofore, and howsoever it seeketh with deceitful pretences to draw me unto it again. O let me not bring so great a blot, and so foul a stain upon my soul, by doing that which is such an abomination unto thee, and would be a cause of so much woe and misery unto me. But teach me to avoid it, and to fly from it, whensoever it first presents itself to me, in what shape or disguised form soever it seeks to enchant me: yea, the more closely and covertly that it seeks to wind itself into me▪ and to find entertainment within me, the more let me abandon it, and forsake it, hating it even with a perfect hatred, as thou hatest it. And let my whole delight be in seeking to please thee, more than ever I have displeased thee heretofore. Let it be the joy of my heart, to walk continually before thee, with a pure, and a sincere, and upright heart in all the ways of righteousness and holiness, and to cleave fast unto every good thing which thou commandest; that so I may not only be freed from thy wrath, and from the evils and miseries which sin bringeth upon the wicked and ungodly, but also be received into thy love, be made partaker of the riches of thy grace and glory; thou mayest take pleasure in me, and rejoice over me thy poor creature, to do me good all my days: the Angels in Heaven, Luk. 15.10 those glorious attendants of thine, may rejoice and sing to see thy name glorified by me, and at length may translate me into that blessed kingdom of thine, there to live and reign with thee, and with all thy elect and holy Ones, in fullness of glory and happiness for evermore; and that only through the merits of Christ my Saviour, who with thee, and thy Spirit, be blessed, and praised, both now and always. Amen. Another most effectual motive to the leaving of all sin, from the consideration of Christ's death and Passion. COnsider O man, who hath redeemed thee, by what he hath redeemed thee; from what and unto what he hath redeemed thee. Christ jesus, the Son of the everliving God, equal unto his Father in Majesty and glory, the Heir of the world, Hebr. 1. and the Lord of all things both in Heaven, in Earth, and under the Earth; he it is that hath redeemed thee, according unto the goodwill and gracious decree of God his Father. He hath redeemed thee, by becoming man for thy sake, by living a base and ignominious life, subject unto all the infirmities whereunto thou art subject (thy sins only excepted) and dying a shameful and cursed death, 1 Pet. 1.19 pouring out his precious blood for thy sake. He was borne in a stable, laid in a manger (an abasement unto which the basest amongst men are not usually subject) rejected of his own, joh. 1.11. Isa. 53. despised of the most, accounted as a dry and withered branch, one in whom there was no form, nothing to be desired; laden with reproaches, broken with sorrows; buffeted, spit upon, made to drink gall and vinigar, reviled, scourged, made a scorn to the beholders, Mat. 27.30. etc. a spectacle to men and Angels, and a wonderment to the world: tossed as it were, from post to pillar; from one judgement seat to another: condemned, as a vile and notorious malefactor, worse than a thief & murderer; and crucified upon the Cross, without the gates of the City, in that loathed Golgotha, Heb. 13. 1●. where his head was crowned with thorns, his hands and feet pierced with nails, and his side with a spear, so that water & blood gushed forth abundantly: and at last, when malice & envy had wrought all the wickedness they could against him, laid in the grave, dead and buried, as one cut off from among the living: and all this for thy sake, Rom. 5.10 even for thee who wert his enemy, a traitor and rebel against him, Ephe. 2.3. and a child of wrath and of the curse, heir of perdition and confusion. He was made sin, 2 Cor. 5.21. Gal. 3.13. a curse and subject unto death for thee, that he might bring thee from sin, from the curse of the law, from the wrath of God, from death, hell, and damnation, unto righteousness, blessedness, grace, glory, heaven and everlasting happiness in that celestial kingdom, which he hath purchased and prepared for all his redeemed ones. All thi● he hath done for thee, O wretched and sinful man, not for any merits or deserts of thine (for what was there in thee for which he should any ways respect thee? Tit. 3.4. ) but of his own free grace, and of the infinite and unspeakable riches of his abundant mercies, wherewith he embraced thee, when he might have justly cast thee off for ever, as one mo●● unworthy to be beloved of him, especially with so great a love. Ephe. 3.19 All this he hath done for thee, and for thy sake only. O therefore, wilt thou be unmindful of his wonderful love, his unsearchable goodness and bounty towards thee, and the great and marvelous things which he hath wrought for thee? 1 Sam. 12.24. Wilt thou be so unthankful to him? Nay, wilt thou be so unkind, so ungracious, as to continue still in thy sins, and so to grieve his spirit, and to crucify him again? Heb. 6.6. For believe me, so many sins as thou willingly committest, so many thorns dost thou pleat on his head, so many nails dost thou thrust into his hands, so many spears dost thou pierce his side withal, and (a fearful thing to consider) so oft dost thou imbrue thy wicked hands with his precious blood, & tread it in a profane manner under thy Heb. 10.29 feet, so that it may be said unto thee, as Peter said unto the jews, Thou hast crucified the Lord of life, Act. 2.36. & 3.14.15. thou hast murdered the king of glory, the Son of the ever living God, Christ jesus, that just and holy One, and preferred not Barrabas, but (which is as bad) thine own wicked and sinful lusts; yea, Satan himself, before thy blessed Saviour and Redeemer. O monstrous ingratitude and treachery! The Angels do blush at it, the heavens stand amazed and astonished at it; and worthy it is to be loathed and abhorred of all creatures. Dost thou so reward the Lord, O vain and foolish man? Deut. 32.6 Is this thy kindness to thy friend? thy thankfulness to thy Saviour? Dost thou return him evil for good, and hatred for his goodwill? Because he hath abounded in love and kindness towards thee, wilt thou abound in sin and wickedness against him? O be not so hardhearted: O deal not so impiously, so ungraciously, so treacherously with thy best friend, thy beloved Saviour, who hath magnified the riches of his grace so wonderfully towards thee, as that if thou hadst a thousand tongues thou couldst not fully express the same, nor yield him sufficient praise and thankfulness for it. Or if thou hadst many thousands of years to live upon the earth, and shouldst employ them all in his service, with the greatest diligence and most careful endeavour that could be, yet all were too little for him. Return therefore, return O thou who hast been deceived heretofore by thine own wicked heart, & deluded by Satan, thy most malicious and deadly enemy, who is ever seeking thy destruction and utter overthrow. Return at length, behold thy loving Saviour, yet stretching out his hands ready to receive thee, and to embrace thee with the arms of his mercy and tender compassion. Pro. 1.24 He calleth thee, Isa. 55.1. joh. 7.37. and crieth aloud unto thee; why dost thou fly from him? why dost thou not cast away thy sins and come unto him whiles the acceptable time of grace & salvation lasteth? 2 Cor. 6.2 Behold, he stands knocking at the door of thy heart, by the motions of his Spirit, and by the voice of his word; calling unto thee, Cant. 5.2. reve. 3.20 that thou wouldst open unto him, that so he might enter in to thee, and dwell with thee, and make thee partaker of all the riches and treasures of his heavenly graces, and of eternal life and salvation: Behold him yet offering himself unto thee; yea, Pro. 9.5. sending forth his messengers daily, persuading thee effectually to leave those husks and draff which the Swine of this world delight to fill themselves withal, Luk. 15.16 and inviting thee most graciously to come and sit with him at his table, and to eat of the finest fare in his Father's house, that heavenly Manna, which none know but they that have tasted of it, and which when they have once thoroughly tasted of, and felt the sweetness of it, they will not part with it again for all the sweetest delicates, with which the wicked glut themselves, till they surfeit dangerously; no, not for all the pleasures, profits, riches and revenues of the whole world. Behold, the base estate and condition which he took upon him for thy sake: Behold the shame and reproach which he sustained for thee, and for thy sins: Behold his face (whom the Angels, Heb. 1.6. those celestial creatures, do reverence and adore) spitted upon for thy cause: Behold him, who is the Author of blessedness, become accursed for thee, that he might free thee from that curse which was due unto thee: Behold him, Isa. 66.1. whose Throne is in the highest Heavens, the Lord of Glory and Majesty, descended down into the earth, and abased to the lowest degree of humiliation, becoming as one of no reputation, Phil. 2.6.7 Psal. 22.6. a worm & not a man, that so he might exalt thee, and raise thee from shame to glory, from Hell to Heaven, from the depth of misery and wretchedness, to the height of endless and everlasting blessedness. What should I say? Behold the Lord of life, dying upon the Cross, that he might bring thee from death to life, and make thee of a child of wrath and perdition, an Heir of glory and Salvation. See his Head crowned with thorns, his body sweeting drops of blood, for the anguish that he was in for thy sins. See the blood streaming forth out of his side, to wash and cleanse thee from thy wickedness. See the fountain of his love, his grace, and mercy set wide open unto thee. Zach. 13.1 All these cry loud unto thee, and are as a shrill voice in thine ears, to call thee from thy sins, and to cause thee utterly to abandon all thy former wickedness, even that vain conversation wherein heretofore thou delightedst. And wilt thou yet continue therein? God forbidden: O heart, more harder than the Adamant or flinty Rock, if these things do not move thee, and cause thee to relent; if nothing else will: (neither remembrance of the vileness and loathsomeness of sin, the fearful and woeful misery and bondage, whereunto it bringeth thee; the stingings of conscience wherewith it woundeth the soul, and maketh it to smart grievously, oftentimes when none perceiveth it, nor the many judgements which it exposeth thee unto, both here in this life, and much more in the life to come, in hell fire for ever.) If none of these will, yet let this, this I say, even the due and serious consideration of the great and wonderful things that Christ hath done for thee, to redeem thee from thy sins, and to loose the bonds of thine iniquities, 1 joh. 3.8 O let this draw thee from the same, in a forcible manner: yea, let his infinite and boundless love and mercy towards thee herein, even break thy stony and steely heart, and cause it to melt into tears for thy sins past, to grieve, to sorrow, to mourn and lament for the same; and to purpose and resolve with thyself, never willingly to offend him hereafter, though thou mightst gain thereby a thousand worlds. Let thy heart be sooner plucked out of thy body, than thou drawn from this godly purpose and Christian resolution, which well becometh all that are Christ's redeemed, 2 Tim. 2.19. 1 joh. 3.9. and will be in thee, if thou be'st a true Christian indeed, and not in word and show only. O blessed Lord and Saviour, when I look up unto thee, and consider thy marvelous Love and Bounty, in that great and gracious work of thine, in redeeming me from that miserable estate, into which I was plunged as well as others, unto that glorious condition of thy redeemed once: how thou abasedst thyself to become man for my sake; to be accursed, that thou mightest free me from the curse which I had brought upon myself; to die that so shameful a death, and to be buried in the earth, that thou mightest raise me out of the grave of my sins, and bring me from sin, death, hell and damnation, unto grace, life, and everlasting salvation, in that blessed and glorious kingdom of thine, which thou reservest for me in the heavens; when I look up unto thee, and call to mind how wonderfully thou hast dealt with me in these things; and on the other side, cast mine eyes upon the whole course of my life past, how vile, how sinful it hath been; and view my estate present, how many and grievous the sins are whereby I have provoked thee daily, even since thou called'st me to the knowledge of that saving grace of thine: my heart faileth within me, I am ashamed and confounded in myself, that I should have been found so unkind unto thee, who hast been so exceeding kind and gracious unto me. O do thou cause me daily more and more to see and bewail the greatness of my sin herein; and heal my soul in whatsoever I have offended thee. O let thy love, thy goodness, thy grace, and bounty, in redeeming me, so wretched, so unworthy a Creature, by thine own blood, from so fearful and woeful a condition, into so blessed and glorious an estate, O let it constrain me to love thee unfeignedly; let it dissolve me into the tears of true and unfeigned repentance for all my sins and transgressions, whereby I have displeased thee, my God and Saviour: and let it work in me a perfect hatred and loathing of all kind of ungodliness, and a continual desire and endeavour to please thee, and to show forth my thankfulness unto thee, by walking carefully before thee in all the duties which thou commandest me, that so I may be every day more assured, that I am one of that small flock, which thou hast redeemed with thy precious blood, & for whom thou hast provided that glorious Kingdom in the heavens. Drawing others unto any wickedness, a bloody and fearful sin. MVrther is abhorred of all men, and that most justly: for it is a fearful and a crying sin; committed, Gen. 4.10. nor approved of any but such as have lost in a manner, the very nature of man, and become, as it were, bruit and savage creatures, yea, monsters, such as are to be driven out from the company and society of men, and to be deprived of this light which they do enjoy, and are no ways worthy of. Deu. 19.13 But yet behold (a strange thing and much to be wondered at) to murder the souls of men, by drawing them to wickedness by ill counsel, Pro. 18.21 or by corrupt example of life, or otherwise, is slightly accounted of, not had in that detestation among men that the other; although, as it is more common, so it may well be sorted and ranked with it. Is not the soul more precious than the body? Mat. 16.26 the life of the soul more worthy, and far more to be regarded then the life of the body? Why then is not the murdering of this accounted as wicked, as heinous, as the other? why is it not as much abhorred of all men? why are not such esteemed rather monsters than men? and how is it that their own consciences do not accuse and wound them for so bloody a crime; yea, that they rejoice and glory in it, many of them, and make a sport and pastime of it? O horrible impiety! Pro. 10.23 and 14.9. How are the consciences of such seared, and their hearts hardened? yea, how like are they unto Satan, their father, who was a murderer from the beginning, joh. 8.44. and delights in nothing more than in hunting after the precious life of man, and wounding his soul unto death, by enticing and drawing him unto wickedness? O blessed Lord, far be it from me at any time, to commit so great a sin, against thee, against my neighbour, against the life and soul of any, which ought always to be most dear unto me. Let me not be a means to wound the conscience of my brother, by giving him any just offence, by walking before him in any scandalous course: let me never be an occasion of death unto the soul of any, by seeking to draw him to the commission of any sin, or to the practice of any kind of ungodliness, by any means whatsoever. O far be this from me; yea, O Lord, let me be as much afraid of this, as much abhor it, as the murdering and destroying of the body of any; which is so horrible a sin, that even the Heathen themselves, by the light of nature, have seen and judged it to be worthy of the sharpest and most cruel death. And let me seek by all means rather to save and preserve the lives and souls of men (yea, jam. 5.20. of mine enemies) by keeping them (as far as in me lieth) from sin, which is the cause of destruction; and by turning their feet out of the ways of death, and showing them the path which leadeth unto everlasting life and happiness, and walking therein before them: that so we may at length rejoice together, Luke 15.9 10. and be made partakers of that glory of thy Saints in the highest heavens. Amen. What ought to be the main care of every one in this life. THe Heathen Orator could say, that none is so foolish, Demosth. so slothful, as to neglect his own safety. This is true indeed of the safety of the body. He is a monster in nature; that doth not seek by all good means, the preservation of it; there be but few that may be complained of in this regard. But the eternal salvation of the soul, who seethe not how little it is regarded of the most; how strangely neglected; how faintly sought after; yea, of many scarce thought upon? O folly of follies, and desperate slothfulness; yea, extreme madness of men, who are so sottishly careless of that which of all things most nearly concerns them! For, what would it advantage them to game the whole world, Mat. 16.26 and to hazard the loss of their own souls; yea, of soul and body for ever? O blessed Lord, let the counsel of the wicked seem foolishness unto me, and preserve me and all thine, from the same both now and ever. Let me ever be most careful of that which is most necessary; Luk. 10.42 more solicitous of the eternal salvation of my soul, then of the safety and preservation of this mortal and corruptible body, which is shortly to be turned into the dust, and made food for the crawling worms, or base vermin. Above all cares let me be careful of this, to seek by all means, and to use all diligence to make my Calling and Election sure: 2 Pet. 1.10 that so I may have comfort in this, that I am ordained to life, and shall be preserved by thy mighty power, 2 Tim. 4.18 1 Pet. 1.5. unto that glorious salvation which is prepared to be showed in the last time, when thou shalt be glorified in thy Saints, 2 Thes. 1.10. and made marvelous in them that believe; yea, that so soon as the earthy house of this tabernacle is dissolved, 2 Cor. 5.1. and this weak and frail body turned into the earth out of which it was taken, I shall be received into those heavenly habitations, those celestial mansions, and be made partaker of that rich, that immortal, undefiled, and never-fading inheritance purchased unto me by the blood of thy Son, and reserved for me in the highest heavens, where thou reignest in endless and unspeakable glory, blessed for evermore, Amen. Christians often ill judges of themselves and their own estates. THe Children of God, (who are marked out by GOD himself unto life and salvation) are oft-times ill judges of themselves: they discern not aright of their own estate, because they measure themselves by an uncertain and deceivable rule; viz. not by the Word of GOD, which is of infallible truth, but by sense and feeling, and by present apprehension of things, offered unto their thoughts without due consideration of the wise and gracious dispensation of the Lord, in his dealings with his children. Sometimes he filleth their hearts with joy, Psal. 30.5.11 Isai. 66.11. 2 Cor. 1.3.4 1 Pet. 1.6.8. and causeth them to feel the sweetness of his divine and heavenly consolations, that so they may have a taste of his goodness, yea, of the exceeding riches of his grace and mercy, wherewith he embraceth them in Christ jesus. Psal. 10.1. & 13.1. & 2. & 22.1.42.5. & 119.82.143 1 Pet. 1.6. 2 Cor. 6.10. Sometimes again he seemeth to hide his countenance from them for a while, and withdraweth those comfortable and glorious feelings wherewith they were before wonderfully refreshed, and wherein their souls rejoiced in unspeakable manner; that thus they may be the more humbled in themselves, knowing that all is from him, and not from themselves; and become the more earnest suitors unto him, for the enjoying of that, Psal. 34.4. wherein they see their blessedness consisteth; as also, that he might weyne them the more from this wretched world, and cause them to aspire unto that heavenly life where these comforts shall be always present with them in more excellent manner, Psal. 16.11 6.8.9. without any intermission or alteration. O blessed Lord, teach me always to judge rightly of my estate; not according to feeling, or the present disposition of my unsettled mind, but according to the rule which thou hast given us in thy word, which never faileth. Though thou dost not always cause me to taste of that heavenly Manna, Revel. 2.17 wherewith sometimes thou dost refresh me; though thou dost not always look with a cheerful face, and with a smiling countenance upon me, causing thy light to shine in my heart; but makest as though thou wert angry and much displeased with me, and gavest no ear to my humble supplications which I power out in silence before thee; yea, Psal. 22.2. sufferest me to be exercised with many and grievous temptations, and to endure many a hard and doubtful conflict with that deadly enemy and adversary of mine, who thereby seeketh to make a prey of me; yet let me always lift up my heart unto thee, Psal. 27.14: james 1.2. and comfort myself in thee continually, knowing assuredly that thou art present with me, when thou seemest to be farthest absent from me; that thy gracious hand sustaineth and upholdeth me, Psal. 34.18 Gen. 42.7. & 45.1. and that thou lovest me dearly, when thou seemest to deal most roughly with me, and that thou wilt never leave me, till thou hast through many changes brought me, through the wilderness of this world, to the possession of that heavenly Canaan, where (after I have been exercised here for a while, for the trial and increase of thy graces in me) I shall be satisfied with the pleasures of thy house, Rom. 5.3.4 james 1.3.4. and drink the waters of comfort, out of the well of salvation, yea, when I shall see thee face to face continually, and rejoice with that joy before thee, which shall never have any change, nor can ever be taken away from me. Satan's policy in making the faithful to distrust God in his promises. SAthan when he cannot otherwise prevail with the children of God, seeketh to cast many doubts into them, of God's mercy, goodness, and truth in the performance of those rich and gracious promises which he hath made unto them, 2 Cor. 2.7 11. and to disquiet their consciences with restless fears, that so seeing he can by no means deprive them of that glory and happiness which hereafter they shall enjoy for ever in the heavens, yet he may bereave them of those inward spiritual comforts, and heavenly refresh wherewith their souls should be cherished, their hearts strengthened, 2 Cor. 5.6.7. and their lives upholden, while they continue here as pilgrims & strangers upon earth, absent from the Lord, and in hope and expectation only of the fullness of that glory and blessedness, which hereafter they should have the fruition and possession of for ever. O merciful and gracious Lord, establish my heart I beseech thee with thy grace: john. 8.44 Let me never give ear to Satan, that lying spirit, who envies at that blessed estate, whereunto, in the riches of thy unspeakable mercies, thou hast freely called me; but let me believe thee, who art the God of truth and faithfulness, and rest upon thy word and promises, which abide sure and steadfast for evermore, 1. Pet. 1.25 when all other things fail and come to nothing. far be it from me, that I should receive the witness of man, who is subject to error and deceit, and not much more give credit unto that inward testimony which thou (who never deceivedst any that trusted in thee) 1 john 5.9 scalest unto my soul and conscience by the effectual working and operation of thy holy and blessed spirit; yea having received so many pledges of thy love, so many and so clear evidences of thy goodness, thy truth, thy power, and thy wonderful providence, which worketh in all things (so that they that are dim-sighted may behold the but same a far off) let me shake off all infidelity & unfaithfulness, and rest ever assured of thy mercy, that so my life may be comfortable, my death joyful; yea, in life and death I may be satisfied with the sweetness of thy grace, and so at length be filled with the riches of thy glory in that heavenly kingdom of thine, which thou hast promised unto me. Despair, or distrust of God's promises, a great sin. TO doubt of God's promises, & to despair of his mercies, is a grievous sin, and a most heinous offence in the eyes of God. For thereby men rob God of his glory; Rom. 4.20 they do him great injury, making his infinite mercy less than their sins; Psal. 51.1. & 103.11.12. & 108.4. whereas the multitude of his mercies are as a bottomless depth, able to swallow up the greatest offences that are committed against him (if they be truly repent of) yea, Act. 3.19. 1 joh. 5.10 they call his truth and faithfulness into question, Isai. 57.15 16. Math. 11.28. and make him a liar, seeing he hath promised forgiveness to all those, that being truly humbled sue unto him for mercy. Lo, (such is their faithlessness) they will not believe him of his word (who is the God of truth) nor give credit to the truth which he (who never failed any) hath sealed, Exod 34 6 jerem. 10.10. Deut. 7.9 Josh. 21.45 whereas they will credit a man who may deceive them. No doubt ought once to be made thereof, of those who know what God is, Num. 23.19. 2 Cor. 1.20. and how firm and stable all his promises are; or if any doubt shall arise from the corruption of that evil and unbelieving heart which is in man, Heb. 3.12. Luk. 9.41. or the suggestion of Satan (who being a main enemy as to all grace, so especially that of faith, which is as it were the life and the anchor of the soul, seeketh continually to cast many doubts and vain fears into the mind) it is not to be yielded unto by any means, Psal. 42.11 james 4.7. Mat. 8.26. but to be checked presently, resisted and driven back as it were with strong hand, knowing that the testmony of the Lord is true, more certainty in it, then in the warrant of any mortal man; yea, then in all the writings, Evidences, Seals, Indentures, and witnesses, which all the men in the world can afford us. O Lord, make me now and always such as to whom thy promises belong, and having wrought this gracious work of thine in me, strengthen my faith, that I may have full assurance and confidence in thee through thy Christ, and apply unto myself all those gracious promises which thou hast made unto me in thy word, which shall stand for ever. O keep me from doubting of thy truth and faithfulness at any time, jer. 17.13. Heb. 10.38.39. lest it displease thee, and cause thee to withdraw thyself from me. The small number of them that shall be saved. THat there are but few that shallbe saved, many damned, is a truth which the word of God hath sealed, yea, which Christ who is the truth itself, with his own mouth, hath ratified unto us, Mat. 7.13. Luk. 13.24 calling the way to life a straight gate, and narrow way, which is found but of a few; but the way to death and destruction, a wide gate and broad way, in which most walk. What need we other proof? How can we once doubt of it? How dare we ever call it into question, or enter into dspute of it? But because many through Satan's suggestion, and the perverseness of their own wicked disposition, are hard of belief even of those things which in Scripture are most clear and evident unto us: Lo therefore a plain demonstration of it, that so if thou be'st so faithless that thou wilt not believe it with thy heart, thou mayest see it in a sort with thine eyes, and confess it with thy mouth, when thou art so manifestly convinced of it. To calculate therefore, as it were, the number of those that walk in this narrow way to life, by ranging the whole world into certain sections and several ranks and orders. All that ever were, or now are in the world, may be generally divided into two sorts; called, or uncalled. Now compare these together, and we shall find that the number of the uncalled (the Apostles times only excepted) hath always exceeded the number of the called, those I mean that were called by an outward calling, through the ministry and preaching of the word. To begin from the beginning, and so to proceed and descend lower. From the beginning of the world to the departure into Egypt, which was above two thousand years, the Church was shut up in the families, either of the holy fathers before the flood, or of the Patriarches; only they of their households called upon the name of the Lord; only they made profession of religion in the true worship of the true God; the rest were Idolatrous and profane people that cast off the Lord's yoke. Afterwards, the Church began to be enlarged, and the bounds thereof extended; the whole people of Israel were called, and accounted the people of God (according unto the promise made unto Abraham) and all the rest of the world, Gen. 17.7.8. Rom. 9.4. Isay. 55.5. Hosea 1.10. Ephes. 2.12 Luk. 1.79. a people that were no people, unto whom God did not so much as afford the outward ordinary means of salvation, but suffered them to sit in darkness, and in the shadow of death (though we deny not but that some few might be extraordinarily called, even as many as joined themselves unto him) Now what was Israel to the multitude and overflowing of the Gentiles, which were scattered over the face of the earth; even as a plant among many people, Exod. 19.5 Deut. 7.6.7. & 14.2. a pearl amongst many pebbles, one grape of a cluster, or as the gleaning after the harvest. Well, to go on to succeeding ages; after many generations, the Lord, upon just cause, Acts 13.46 Rom. 11.20 1 Thes. 2.16 forsaking the jews for a long time, (as we see) and casting them off from being his people, as they were in former times, the Gentiles (of whom we are) according to the promise, succeeded them, Rom. 11.17. and were planted in, in their room. And yet, how small is the number even of them that are called, in comparison of those that remain uncalled to this present day? This will be easily perceived if it be duly considered; how many thousands, yea, thousand thousands of Infidels, Pagans, barbarous Turks, and misbelieving jews there be, which sit in darkness, and in the valley of death, without God, without Christ, & so without the means of Salvation; not having so much as the knowledge and outward profession of true Christianity and godliness. For one Christian even in outward profession, there are many, who either never heard of the name of a Christian, or else hate it, and are professed enemies unto it: turcism, judaisme, & Paganism having overspread most nations, like a winter flood: these things then being rightly observed, we see clearly that the greatest part of the world in times past hath been, and yet now is, uncalled, and therefore out of the way of salvation. To passover therefore those numberless multitudes of such as never had any calling, and to leave them to t●e s cret counsel of the Lord (for as far a● God hath made known unto us in his revealed Will, there is no means of salvation for them, or any of them, continuing in that estate.) Let us come unto that other sort; those I mean, that are outwardly called, by the preaching of the Word, which soundeth amongst them, and make an outward profession of Christ and his Gospel; within how narrow a room are they confined, within the borders of Europe, the skirts of Asia under Turkish bondage and tyranny, and that remote and almost unknown part of Africa, under that Aethiopian governor, Prester-Iohn. and not elsewhere, except it be a sprinkling here & there of some few, that are scattered in the Indies, or in some other Countries. They are even shut up, as it were, in this Angle, and corner of the world (as is apparent to those that are of knowledge, and cast their eye upon this larger frame.) And yet how few even of them that have received this outward calling, are and shall be saved? Let that saying of our Saviour himself testify; Mat. 20.16 Many are called, (by an outward calling and external profession) but few (even of those that are so called) are chosen: to which also, that holy Apostle of his, Rom. 9.27 out of the kingly Prophet doth well accord. Isa. 10.22. Though the number of the children of Israel were as the sand of the Sea, yet shall but a remnant be saved. All are not Israel which are of Israel; neither shall all that are of the Church militant be of the Church triumphant. Even of those that are called, the fewest are saved. And this will be better conceived of us, if we consider what a multitude there are: First, * Bellarm. pref. in lib. de Pont. Nisi per Petrum non pervenitur ad Christum. among the Papists, that Antichristian Synagogue, who make indeed a profession of Christ, and Christian religion, have glorious shows to the eyes of the world, fair titles without truth, boasting strangely, that they, and none but they, are of the true Catholic & Apostolic Church, * Bellar. lib. 4. de Not. Eccl. cap. 4. Constat nostram solam esse veram Ecclesiam. vid. cap. 5.6. that they have the keys of Heaven in their keeping only, and shall have Heaven-gates hereafter set open unto them (all other being excluded and shut * Coster. Enchir. Conclusio. Absque dubio in aeternum peribunt. Gal. 5.4. john 16 2. Gal. 4.29. 2 The. 2.11 out) and yet indeed are clean out of the way of salvation, yea, persecute them that walk in it, thinking that therein they do God good service, and walk blindfolded in those crooked paths of their own inventions, and idolatrous worship, and superstitious observances which tend unto everlasting perdition and condemnation. Revel. 14.9.10.11. & 18.4. 2 Thes. 2.12. Yea, even amongst us, where the name of Christ is truly called upon. For thousands there be in the bosom of this our Church, who are called indeed Christians, (being baptised into the name of Christ, and wearing the outward badge and cognisance of a Christian) who notwithstanding are as far from salvation, as hell is from heaven, as their wicked courses and vain conversations do evidently witness to their faces, Isa. 3.9. and even proclaim with loud voice to the whole world. For some, although they have the name of Christians, are in truth no better then plain Atheists, wanting even the outward profession of that which they bear the name of, making their pleasures, their profits, their honours and preferments, yea, their bellies their Gods, Phil. 3.19. altogether devoting themselves to their service, never thinking of God, nor regarding to walk in his ways, but scorning, and hating them that seek to bring them to a holy submission unto him, Psal. 1.1. Prou. 1.22 29. and to his blessed ordinances. Some again, (though not so bad as they, yet bad enough) seem to make some profession outwardly, and would be called and accounted Christians, and yet live like Heathen, Pagans, Turks, Infidels, (if not worse) having their lives stained very foully with many enormous crimes▪ yea, such whereof the very Heathen would have been ashamed, and which cause the sacrilegious Turks and Mahometans to blaspheme our religion, & to scorn our most holy profession in disdainful manner. It were infinite to reckon them up; Rom. 1.29 fornications, adulteries, murders, usury, oppression, pride, maliciousness, and many such like cursed fruits, which never sprung from that Religion which those that practise them unjustly make profession of. Others again, make indeed a goodly show and a glorious profession, 2 Tim. 3.5. having the form of godliness, but denying the truth and the power thereof, viz. all glozing hypocrites and counterfeit dissemblers, with whom the Church of God hath been always pestered, to the wounding and disgracing of true Professors; Mat. 23.14. their condemnation is the greater. Thus if we go thorough all sorts of those that are outwardly called; yea, amongst whom the true Religion, wherein salvation only is to be found, is entertained, we shall see that even the number among them that shall be saved, is but small: Mat. 7.21. Not every one that saith Lord, Lord; not every one that is an outward professor, shall enter into the kingdom of Glory. Now then, if the number even of Christians and professors (who have the way of life and salvation plainly described before their eyes, and called upon daily to walk therein, yea, encouraged with many and forcible reasons and allurements to set forward therein with all speed that may be,) if the number of them that are saved, is but small, (as it is so clear a truth that none need once to doubt of it; nay, cannot, except he will gainsay him who is the Truth itself) what then, I beseech you, is their number in comparison of the whole world, which is so wide and spacious, and of so large extent, that it makes them that have any discerning of it, to wonder at it? Sure they are but even a handful to speak of; Luk. 12.32 a little flock, as the shaking of an Olive tree, Isay 24.13 or as the grapes when the Vintage is ended. The number when it is cast up, will be gathered into a short sum. Rom. 9.28 In a word, as there are more Nettles than Roses, more Weeds than Flowers, more Brambles than Vines, more Earth and base metal then pure Gold or Silver; so, the number of them that shall be damned, is far greater than of those that shall be saved, and made partakers of the blessedness of the Saints in glory. Oh therefore how great is the security of the most, that go on so boldly in their wicked and ungodly courses, never thinking of this narrow way to life? How is it that they are so careless of their estate, seeing so few shall be saved, so many damned? How hath Satan bewitched and besotted them, that though they hear and know these things, yet they dare presume to go forward in that broad way, because they see so many walking in it, more blind than blind Balaam, Numb. 22.23. that saw less than his Ass; or if not as blind, yet as desperate, rushing forward to their own destruction, when God causeth though not his Angel, yet his Ministers and Messengers (who are also called his Angels) to stand in that broad way, Reu. 2. with the drawn sword of his threatening sentence, Rom. 8.13 to turn them out of it, that they perish not with the multitude; and to enforce them, in a manner, to take the narrow way which is before them, telling them oft that the number of them that shall be saved is but small, in regard of them that shall be damned eternally? How should this terrify them? how should it amaze them? yea, how should it awaken all of us, and quicken us in the way which leadeth to life and salvation, making us to walk wisely and circumspectly, Eph. 5.15. not once daring to set our foot in the wrong way? If we were assured that all in the world should be saved except some one, how ought every one to look about, and to provide so, that he might not be that one? how much more behoveth it us, now to bestir ourselves, whiles this soundeth in our ears, that the fewest shall be saved, the most damned? If we were to go over some high or steep mountain, where there were a narrow bridge, or a straight passage, and that very slippery and dangerous, insomuch that we saw the greatest part of them that went before us, for want of heedfulness and sure footing, tumbling down in fearful manner among the craggy rocks, unto the bottom of that deep gulf that was under them, to their present and irrecoverable destruction, how careful would we be (except we were desperate and madmen) to look with all diligence to our footing, that we slip not, and to take the surest course that possibly we could? How much greater care and diligence should we use in seeking to go forward in the safest manner that may be, in this strait passage to life, especially seeing that so many thousands do miscarry therein, and that the danger of missing it, is ten thousand times more than the falling from the top of an high mountain into a deep valley; (that being only the beating out of the brains, or the bruising of the body, to a temporal destruction; this, the utter ruin and confusion both of body and soul for ever.) Or if we were to pass thorough a field, or a highway, wherein many thieves lie lurking on every side, so that few escaped with their lives, would we not be much afraid of the imminent danger, and therefore seek to provide for our safety in our journey, as much as possibly we might? Doubtless we would. Well then, being now all of us to pass thorough the vast Wilderness of this sinful and dangerous world, wherein the Devils, even many thousands of damned Spirits, (our most cruel and malicious enemies and deadly adversaries, the very cut-throats of our souls, who always seek by all means to work our destruction) lie continually in wait for us, as it were so many troops in secret ambushment against us, so that few escape eternal death and damnation, and come to life and salvation: ought not we much more to be afraid, and to be careful by all means to escape that great danger, and to come unto that exceeding glory? Have we any cause to be careless and secure as the most are? Is it meet that we should give over ourselves to our vain pleasures and sinful courses, eating, drinking, playing, sporting, (as those in the days of Noah, Luk. 17.26 27.28. and of Lot, did, when their destruction was at hand) and even drown ourselves in such dangerous looseness and security (as the most do) whiles our enemies cut our throats? 1 Thes. 5.6 Is it meet (I speak to them that are of any wisdom or understanding to discern what I say) is it meet, that we should be thus vain, thus negligent, thus desperate, even with the wicked of the world, letting go the hope of life, and plunging ourselves into the depth of everlasting confusion and condemnation, in so wretched a manner? O consider of this all ye that forget God, and casting away the means of grace which he offereth, run on headlong in a violent manner (as you are led, yea, driven by Satan) unto your own destruction. Think of this: What do you, O men, blinded and deluded by that deceiver, (who as he hath been always a murderer, so now seeketh to murder your souls; yea, joh. 8.44. souls and bodies for ever.) Will you still suffer yourselves to be misled by him? Will you needs bar yourselves out of heaven, yea, out of all hope of heaven and happiness? Will you needs for the sweetness of a few transitory pleasures, profits and delights, deprive yourselves of so great glory, those full and ever-flowing streams of all heavenly pleasures and delights, which if I had the tongue of men and Angels, 1 Cor. 2.9. I were not able fully to express? Will you needs be so foolish and unwise as for the obtaining of these fading & perishing things, in a sinful manner, to cast away yourselves for ever? Will you needs set upon yourselves the brand of eternal perdition, the notes and marks of a reprobate, so that they that see you, may say, Lo, there goes one that walks in the broad way to hell, and destruction? Or, do you think that walking and continuing in that broad way, it is possible for you ever to be saved, and to enter with that small number into that glorious kingdom, joh. 3.3. or to escape that fearful pit of endless confusion? O be not so secure, so foolish and unwise in that which so greatly & so nearly concerns you. O be not so great enemies to your own souls, so cruel and merciless to yourselves. Do not so desperately deprive yourselves of so great glory and happiness, in comparison of which, all the things of this world (pleasures, Matt. 16.26. profits, honours, and whatsoever else is most highly accounted of in the world) are but draff, dross, & dung, dreams and fancies, vain and transitory things, not worth the speaking of. Do not so unwisely, do not I beseech you in the fear of the Lord, and in the bowels of Christ jesus, cast away your souls in such a careless manner, which he came to save with his precious blood; yea, and sweat drops of water and blood, that he might redeem the same. 2 Cor. 5.20. Christ jesus himself entreateth and beseecheth you, in the mouths, and by the means of his own Ministers, in and by whom he speaketh to you, to leave the broad way, Luk. 13.24. 2 Pet. 1.10 Phil. 2.12. wherein you walk, and to strive to enter in at the narrow gate, to give all diligence to make your calling and election sure & to work out your salvation with fear and trembling. O therefore, hear his voice whiles it is time, and let not Satan stop your ears, and delude and bewitch you, as he hath done heretofore, and as he doth the greatest part of the world, to their utter ruin and everlasting confusion both of body and soul. Oh his sleights and policies, how many and how treacherous they are! O let him not keep you any longer from walking in this narrow way to life, and cause you to walk on in that broad and crooked way, the end and issues whereof (howsoever they seem pleasing to you) Pro. 12.15 & 14.12. are death and endless woe and misery. If the fear of losing heaven & happiness (which the enjoying of all the things of this world cannot recompense) will not move you, let the danger of falling into hell and damnation amaze you, and cause you to stand at a stay, and to go no further in so fearful a way, but speedily to recall yourselves, and to turn out of it. The very bruit beast will not run into a deep pit, or any danger which it seethe before it in the way wherein it should go, but will turn aside with Balaams' Ass, and seek by all means to escape and avoid it: and will you be more unwise than the brute and unreasonable creature, taking rather the way of death and destruction than the way of life and salvation? If you will needs be so brutish and senseless, and will by no means be reclaimed, go on (as those who are destitute of understanding and all true spiritual wisdom) and fulfil the measure of your wickedness, till you perish in it, and complain when it is too late, of your great folly, in making so bad a choice, and following so unwise and dangerous a course, though you were often forewarned of the wretched end of it. But Lord, though others be so careless and secure, yet let it not be so with any of thine; let them shake off all slothfulness and negligence in so weighty a matter as concerns thy glory, and their own everlasting either wealth or woe; yea, let them never be at quiet, never at rest, till they know certainly and upon good evidence that they are picked and sholed out of that great number that shall perish and be damned for ever, to be of that little flock that shall live with thee eternally. And make me truly thankful, I humbly pray thee, for this gracious work of thine towards me. O merciful Lord, how great is thy goodness which thou hast vouchsafed unto me herein, in that it hath pleased thee in the riches of thy grace, through Christ, to make me one of that small number, for whom thou hast prepared a kingdom; that thou hast caused me to walk in the narrow way which leadeth to life and salvation, when as thou sufferest the most to run on headlong in that broad and crooked way which leadeth to death & everlasting destruction? What am I, or what is there in me more than in others that perish, that thou shouldest show this favour unto me more than unto them? It is only thy love, and thy undeserved kindness, which it hath pleased thee of thy bounty and goodness in thy Christ to vouchsafe unto me. O let me never be unmindful of the same. But let the oft and serious consideration thereof draw my heart and all my affections unto thee, causing, yea, even constraining me to love thee entirely and unfeignedly above all things, to fear thee, to stand in a holy awe and reverence of thee continually, and to seek by all means to glorify thee. And let me never be discouraged with the straightness of the passage or the many difficulties, which I shall meet with, while I walk in this narrow way, seeing that it tends to life and salvation; but let me go forward without fainting at any time, yea, with much cheerfulness and delight, knowing that all these light and momentary afflictions are no ways worthy of that glory, Rom. 8.18 unto which through the straightness of this gate I shall shortly have passage. All that are of the Church visible or militant, shall not be of the Church Invisible and Triumphant. MAny have access into the Prince's outmost chamber, who are not admitted into the chamber of Presence, but excluded and shut out from having entrance thereinto. In like manner; Many are brought to the fellowship of the visible Church, which is as it were the outmost chamber of the house of God, the palace of that great King (and a favour it is that is vouchsafed them herein, for all do not attain unto it: Psal. 147.19.20. ) but few are so blessed as to be led, by the spirit, further into that secret and privy chamber, where God shows his familiar presence, Cant. 2.4 and unto which none are admitted, but they who are of the communion of Saints, Hebr. 12.22.23. of the court of heaven, heirs of the glory of that celestial kingdom, where they shall always attend upon the Majesty of the highest, the great God of the whole world. O Lord, it is thy mercy that thou hast called me to have a place in the visible Church here on earth, and to live among thy Israel, thy Saints and chosen, to enjoy thy word and Sacraments, and to look as it were, Cant. 2.9. through a c●euis into the holy of Holies; (for the greatest part of the world have not obtained thus much: How many thousands of jews, Turks, heathen do we see at this day excluded and cast out from the lists and outmost bounds of thy Church? Revel. 11.1.2. ) But it is thy wonderful and unspeakable goodness towards me, that thou hast admitted me into the chamber of Presence, calling me to the blessed fellowship and communion with thy Saints, yea, with thine own self, making me one of thy Israel, john. 14.21.22.23. Gal 2.20. Phil. 3.10. reve. 3.20. one of thy Saints and chosen; a true member of the Church militant here on earth, and heir of the glorious and triumphant Church in the highest heavens, where I shall live with thee for ever. john. 14.2. & 17.24 O blessed be thy name for the riches of thy love & infinite grace vouchsafed unto me herein, through Christ jesus my Lord. Thou mightest justly have excluded me as well as others, yea, even from the outmost courts of thy Zion; but it hath pleased thee, O Father, to magnify thy great mercy towards me thy poor and unworthy creature, that so my heart might be drawn up the more unto thee, and inflamed with an unfeigned love of thee. O therefore that thou wouldst knit my heart and soul unto thee, and cause me to set all the affections of my love, joy and delight in thee, to whom only they are due, and to whom alone I desire they may be given. And teach me withal to seek daily more and more to press forward, and to strive to get nearer access unto thee, endeavouring by a holy life and godly conversation to obtain full and comfortable assurance that thou hast called me into the communion of thy chosen ones, admitted me into the chamber of thy gracious presence, john 8.35 and that I shall abide in thy house for ever, even in those glorious mansions and heavenly habitations where thine honour dwelleth, and where all thy Saints shall reign and triumph with thee for evermore. The blessed estate of a true Christian, in regard of that spiritual and heavenly union that is between Christ and him. OH how blessed a Union is there between Christ and every true Christian: Who is able to express it? who doth not admire and wonder at it? It is a great matter for them to be accounted his friends, joh. 15.13 15. Mark. 3.34 Levit. 25.25 Heb. 2.11.12.13 his kinsmen, his brethren, his children (as all these names and titles he gives unto them in the Scriptures.) But this is not all; it is not one half; for they are not only tied unto him by these straight and sacred bonds of friendship, kindred, and brotherhood; but they are made one with him, one flesh, Ephe. 5.31 Ephe. 5.30 1 Cor. 12.12. Hebr. 2.11 one body; yea, in a sort himself, having his own name given unto them (as afterwards.) To shadow out this union unto thee by those types, as it were, and semblances by which the Scriptures have declared it unto us, in that manner that our frail nature is able to conceive of it (for the weakness and shallowness of our capacity is such, as it is not able fully to comprehend it in the excellency of it.) Seest thou not what union there is between the head and the members of the body? So it is between Christ and true Christians. They are knit unto him as it were, by the sinews of the spirit, and by the bond of faith, as the members of the body are unto the head; and from him as from the head, Ephe. 1.22 & 5.23. Gal. 2.20. life floweth into the whole body; the life of grace and spiritual motion and action is conveyed and communicated unto the Church and all the faithful members thereof, which are the body of Christ. 1 Cor. 12.27 Eph. 4.12 Again this union between Christ and them is compared to that which is between the Vine and the branches: So, john. 15 1.2. that as the stock and the branches grow together, so the faithful being rooted in Christ, and set as it were into him, a Rom. 6.5 as branches of that heavenly Vine receive life and sap from him, growth of all spiritual and heavenly graces. It is compared to a fountain, and the waters issuing and steaming therefrom b joh. 4.14 ? Likewise to the cornerstone, in a building, and the stones that are built upon the same c Ephe. 2.20.22. ? For so Christ is often in Scripture compared to the cornerstone, upon which (as their manner of building in old time in those parts was) the whole building was fastened & combined, and so reared up; and the faithful compared to living d 1 Pet. 2.5. stones built upon that sure foundation; and thence also called the temple of the holy Ghost, e 1 Cor. 3.16. & 6.19 joh. 14.23 & reve. 3. wherein God himself dwelleth f ●0. , and will dwell for ever. It is compared also to the body and the apparel which clothes and covers it, and shelters it from cold and rain, and from the injury of the weather, whence the faithful are said to put on Christ g Rom. 13 14 Gal. 3.27. . And lastly, to the Husband and his Spouse; whence Christ is often called the Husband of his Church, h Ephes. 5.23. Mat. 25.6 the Bridegroom which is preparing for his marriage solemnities; and the Church his Bride i Revel. 21 2. & 22.17 , his love, k Cant. 1.8. & 5.1.2. his dove, his undefiled Spouse; a pure Virgin, l Psal. 45. 2 Cor. 11 2. prepared for him, and in whom he greatly pleaseth and delighteth m Psal. 11.13.15 himself. We know how near and straight the union is between the husband and his dear and loving Spouse; they are according to Gods own ordinance but one flesh n Gen. 2.14. Ephe. 5.30 31. : Such is the union in this spiritual marriage between Christ and his Church, and every faithful member of the same. Thus than thou seest what a near and straight union and conjunction there is between Christ and the true Christian, even all that are justified by his grace, and sanctified by his spirit. They are in him, and he is in them: He is their head, & they are his o 1 Cor. 6.15. & 12.27. members, flesh of his flesh, and bone of his bone; they are engraffed into him, and become one with him, p john 17.10.21.22.23. as he is one with the Father. He dwelleth in them, and they in him q Ephe. 3.17 1 Cor. 6.17. john. 6.56 . But lest thou shouldst conceive of this amiss, consider seriously what manner of Union this is, & how it is wrought. A heavenly meditation, and worth thy best attention. First then, know that this union is not carnal, but spiritual, not natural but supernatural and mystical. It is not a carnal or a corporal union, as if Christ's body were turned into our bodies (as the Papists feign in that new-devised Transubstantiation, and strange metamorphosis of theirs;) nor joined unto them in a local or bodily manner. Thou must not imagine any such matter; for that were with the Capernaits r joh. 6.41.52. to conceive grossly of Christ our Saviour, and with Nicodemus s joh. 3.4. to show thyself altogether carnal inconceiving these heavenly mysteries. It is against the nature of Christ's body which is t Eph. 1.20 & 4.10. ascended into Heaven, and there sitteth at the right hand of God in glory, & therefore cannot be united unto us in that manner, being on earth, so many thousand miles distant from him. But it is a spiritual and heavenly union: It is not a real transfusion of the substance of Christ unto us (as some Heretics have dreamt) but an essential communication of himself and his graces unto us, in a spiritual manner. More distinctly. First, the faithful are united unto his flesh, and to his human nature; & then by means hereof unto his divine u joh. 6.53.56.57. Hebr. 10.10.20. nature. His flesh is, as it were, the vail by which they have entrance into the holy of Holies, and became in a sort partakers of his divine x 2 Pet 1.4 nature. Their whole person is united unto Christ, whence they are said to be his flesh and his bones, not as they are men, but as they are Christians, and engraffed into him, and so with him make one body, whereof he is the head, they the members. Whole Christ is united unto them, both his human & his divine nature; and they are wholly united unto him; both their souls and y 1 Cor. 6.15. bodies, & their whole person. For (to give some proof of this, which some otherwise happily may doubt of) they are coupled to Christ, the second Adam, as He●ah was joined to the first Adam (for that union between them was a type of this spiritual union between him and his Church, his Spouse.) Now the whole person of Eva was joined and united to the person of Adam; whence they are said to be no more two but z Goe 2.24. Ephe. 5.31 one flesh. Again, not the soul only, or the body only, of every believer, is redeemed and saved by Christ, but both: and therefore not one but both must needs be joined and united unto Christ: for out of him there is no salvation, a Acts ●. 12 neither for one nor other. Moreover, the whole person of the Son of God, assumed and united unto himself the whole nature of man, not his flesh only, or his soul only, but both; and therefore by virtue of that union, the whole nature of man must be united unto him. Lastly, Christ, whole Christ, in his divine nature, and in his human nature, in his soul and body, even consisting of these together, jointly and not separately, is the b Eph. 5.23 head and and Saviour of all his faithful members, and therefore their whole person must of necessity be united to him; otherwise how shall he be the head of both, and the Saviour of both, even of the whole man? Thus then there is a true, a real, an essential and entire union between the faithful and Christ, if we respect the things united, viz. Christ and his members; but if we regard the manner of this union, it is wholly spiritual, mystical and supernatural; far above the reach of the natural c 1 Cor. 2.14 man yea, of any man fully to conceive and comprehend it; nay, it is a great and a wonderful mystery, firmly to be believed as an article of our Faith, and not curiously in a carnal and sensible manner to be searched into. And therefore the Apostle shadowing it out unto us by the union which is between Man and Wife, coupled together in mariage-bond, breaks forth into this d Eph. 5.32. speech; This is a great Secret, or a * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. great Mystery, viz. this union between Christ and his Church. It is a great mystery, not to be comprehended by sense and carnal reason, but to be believed and apprehended by faith only, which is that supernatural light by which we see things that are e Heb. 1.11 invisible, & cannot be otherwise seen or discerned. Happy are they that have felt by comfortable experience what it is that we say. Having seen what this union between Christ and the faithful is, it is next to be considered how it is wrought in them. This union therefore and spiritual conjunction is wrought by the spirit on Christ's part, and by faith on our part. These are the two bands of it. First, the spirit, through the effectual operation and working thereof, knitteth them unto Christ. As the nerves or sinews being diffused from the brain into all the parts and members of the body do join and unite them all unto the head, from whence they receive life and action: So the Spirit of of Christ, proceeding from him who is the head of the Church, is diffused as it were, and communicated unto his whole body, which is the Church, a 1 Cor. 12 27. and unto every member of the same, every particular believer; and so knitteth and uniteth them unto Christ their head, so that they have communion with him, and receive from him all spiritual grace, b joh. 1.16 life and motion, according unto their measure c Rom. 12.3. 1 Cor. 12.11. Ephes. 4.7. : yea, it knitteth them unto him in a more straight and near union, than the members of the natural body are knit and united unto the head. For they may be separated from it, and so perish; but there is no separation, no division, no disunion possibly to be made between d Rom. 8.39 Christ and any one of his members, much less the whole Church. Again, (for I had rather be too plentiful then too sparing in the illustration of this so excellent and so heavenly a truth) as all the members of the body are united unto the head, and quickened by one and the same soul, which animates them, and conveyeth natural life unto every one of them: So all the faithful, whether they be in Heaven above, or in Earth below, of the Church militant, or triumphant, are joined and united unto CHRIST, by one and the self-same Spirit, which coming from the Head CHRIST JESUS, giveth spiritual life, quickening and motion unto them, so that the whole body being coupled and knit together e Ephes. 4.16. by every joint, receiveth increase of grace by degrees, and groweth up daily more and more, till the body of CHRIST, which is his CHURCH, be fully perfected and consummated, receiving the f Ephes. 4.13. accomplishment of all Grace and Glory in the highest heavens. This is the first means, whereby this union is made between CHRIST and the faithful, even this sacred bond of the Spirit. And from this efficacy and operation of the spirit, uniting us unto CHRIST, it is said by the Apostle that we (even all believers) have drunk into the same g 1 Cor. 12 13 Ephes. 4.4. Spirit. And again, that we are baptised into one body; that is, we are made one Body, whereof Christ is the Head. Now that other bond, by which they are tied and united unto Christ, and that on their part, is Faith. For the Spirit of God having begotten a true and lively faith in us by the preaching of the Word, by means of this excellent grace we are united unto Christ. For thereby we lay hold on Christ with all his merits and h 1 Cor. 1.30 2 Cor. 3.18. Phil. 3.21. 1 joh. 3.2. Gal. 2.20. benefits, and apply them in particular to ourselves, and so become one with him; all which he hath done for mankind, being made as proper unto us, as if it were our own. And hence it is that Christ is said to dwell in our hearts by i Ephes. 3.17 Faith. Faith is the hand, as it were, whereby we receive Christ being offered unto us in the Word; by means of it Christ is made ours, and we his, by an inseparable union. And thus we have at large described that spiritual and mystical union which is between Christ and the faithful, his members. So near and so straight a union, that the holy Ghost in Scripture giveth sometimes (as was said) the name of Christ himself unto the Church, and calleth it by his own name; even as the name of the husband, by reason of that union between them, is given unto the Wife, and she called by his name. As k 1 Cor. 12 12. the body is one (saith the Apostle) & hath many members— even so is Christ, that is, the Church of Christ. Such is the dearness and efficacy of that spiritual conjunction of Christ and the faithful, that he calls them not only Christians, (as sometimes they are l Acts 11.26. named) or his Spouse, his Sister, his m Cant. 5.2. Love, his Dove, his Undefiled, etc. but even Christ, his own name: Whence also it is, that that which is done to the Church, or any member thereof, he accounteth it as done to himself, whether it be good or evil. The works of Love and Charity done to his poor members, in the day when he shall sit upon his Throne to judge the World, he will pronounce them to have been done unto himself. I was a hungry, n Mat. 25.35.36.40. and ye gave ME meat: I thirsted, and ye gave ME drink: naked and ye clothed ME: sick and ye visited ME, etc. In as much as ye have done it unto one of the least of these MY Brethren, ye have done it unto ME. And when Saul persecuted the poor Saints of God, and breathed out threatenings & slaughter against them, Christ looking down from heaven, and beholding him, cries out unto him with a loud voice, o Acts 9.4. Heb. 4.15. Zach. 2.8. 1 Cor. 12.26. Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou Me? The Foot is wounded on earth, and the Head feels it, and complains of it from Heaven. The persecution or wrong done to his Church, or any member thereof, he esteemeth it as done to himself. O my soul raise up thyself unto the oft and serious consideration of this spiritual and mystical union of the faithful with Christ their head and Saviour? Oh how full is it of sweetness & much comfort and inward solace? Think of it, and believe it without all wavering and doubting. Say not, as carnal men are wont, and as Nicodemus did in a point of like nature, How can this be? p john 3.9. & 6.42 How can Christ being in heaven so far distant from us in regard of bodily presence be united unto us? Reason not so, as flesh and blood will suggest unto thee; but believe this steadfastly and assuredly, as if thou be'st spiritual and not carnal, thou wilt, and canst not do otherwise. The truth of God hath sealed it, the Scriptures in many places ratify and confirm it, and it is a great measure of infidelity to deny it, or to doubt of it. Thou seest it not with the eyes of thy body: What then? wilt thou believe nothing, but that which thou seest with thy bodily eyes; then thou wilt not believe that there is a Union between thy soul and thy body, for thou seest it not with thine eyes; and yet if it were not, thou wert a dead man, and a lifeless carcase. Thou wilt not deny, but that there is a Union between man and wife, though they be distant in place, yea, though the one of them be in this country, and the other in that (for it is a received Maxim, or rule granted of all, that distance of place dissolveth not the marriage-bond: both God's law, and man's law so determineth it) and wilt thou be so faithless as not to believe that there is a Union between that heavenly bridegroom Christ jesus, though he be in heaven, and his faithful members, many of them, on earth? Shall not faith be of more efficacy than nature? Thou wilt not deny (that which experience teacheth thee, except thou be'st blind) that the sight of the eye of thy body in a moment of time as it were, and in an instant doth reach unto the Stars in the firmament, and is in a sort united unto them, though so many thousand miles distant from thee; and wilt not thou grant much more, that faith which is the eye of the soul, and of a far more powerful, and piercing nature, may ascend presently into heaven, where Christ sitteth in glory, and lay hold upon Christ, and so join and unite the believer with Christ; not only with his Deity (which is every where) but also with his humanity, which is in heaven only, yea, with whole Christ, God and man. Be not so carnal, so incredulous. Have faith and thou wilt believe it, yea, if thou hast faith and the spirit of Christ dwelling in thee, thou canst not but most assuredly believe it as a main Article of thy Christian Faith, and a principal pillar and groundwork of thy salvation. Neither do thou think it sufficient to believe it only, but labour to feel it by a comfortable experience of it; and withal seek to raise up thyself by the due meditation thereof to the beholding of the infinite and unspeakable love and bounty of, Christ thy Saviour towards thee and towards all true believers. Assure thyself of his love, who hath come down from heaven, and by a spiritual marriage allied, yea, linked himself unto thee, q Esay. 9.6 Hebr. 2.16 giving himself unto thee, clothing himself with thy flesh; and joining thee unto himself, and in him unto God his Father; r john 17.21 Isa. 53. and so in him, and through him made thee partaker of all those rich treasuries of his grace and glory, even whatsoever he hath wrought for mankind, and s Rom. 8.32 1 Cor. 3.21.22 reve. 2.17 27.28. & 3.5.12.21 made promise of in the Gospel, wherein that contract which is made between him and thee is published to the whole world, and the consummation thereof by that marriage-feast and joyful solemnities reserved for another world in that glorious kingdom of his, where thou shalt live and remain with him for ever, enjoying his love, and the comfortable fruits and effects of it, in unspeakable and glorious manner, to thy endless and everlasting bliss and happiness. Assure thyself of this; and let thy heart spring for joy in thee; yea, with heart and voice sing forth cheerfully with the Spouse that heavenly Ditty and marriage-song, I am t Can. 2.16. & 5.4.16. & 6.2. & 8.6.7 my well-beloveds, and my well-beloved is mine: His mouth is as sweet things, and he is wholly delectable: My heart is altogether affectioned towards thee: Set me as a seal on thine heart, & as a signet upon thine arm; for love is strong, the coals thereof are fiery, and the flame vehement: much water cannot quench it, neither can the floods of persecution drown it: If any would give all the substance of his house, yea all the riches of the world, I would u Phil. 3.8. contemn & despise it, rather than be x Ruth. 1.17 parted from thee, O my blessed Saviour & Redeemer, who hast loved me so dearly, and given thyself y Gal. 2.20 1 Cor. 3 21. Revel. 21.7 for me, yea, unto me, that thou mightest make me one with thee, and one with thy Father, and so, heir of all things both in heaven and in earth. Assure thyself hereof, and raise up thyself thereby, in a joyful manner to sing praises unto him continually, who hath done so great things for thee without any deserts of thine, and z Rom. 8.23 long earnestly for the time wherein thou shalt in a more heavenly manner enjoy the benefit of that blessed union; desire to be a Phil. 1.23 dissolved from this earthly body, and to be with thy Saviour in the heavens, which is every way best for thee: Sigh after him, and let him hear thee crying after him with the voice of his Spouse. O my well-beloved, flee away b Can. 8.18 and be like unto the swift Roe, or to the young Hart upon the mountains: Come riding upon the heavens in those fiery chariots to judge the world, and to take me unto thyself, and to carry me with the voice of triumph c Psal. 45.14 and melody into that glorious palace which thou hast prepared for me, there to dwell with thee for ever; and with the Spirit & the Bride, Come, d reve. 22 17.20 Psal. 22. Come Lord jesus, come quickly: My soul thirsteth after thee my God & Saviour; when shall I come and appear before thee? when shall I see thy face, & enjoy thy blessed and glorious presence in those heavenly mansions which thou art gone before to provide for me, e joh. 14.2 and for thine with me? Thus do thou unfeignedly desire and long for continually that glorious f Tit. 213 appearance of our Saviour, when as he shall be made g 2 Thes. 1.10 marvelous in his Saints, and cause thee to see how great thy blessedness is, in regard of that heavenly union and conjunction with him. And in the mean while rest with patience, and comfort thyself in all estates; for can it be but that it should be well with the who art so nearly allied unto Christ; his well-beloved Spouse whom he hath married h Hose. 2.19 unto himself for ever in righteousness, in mercy, and in compassion; yea, for whom he hath shed his own precious blood, that so he might cleanse i Ephes. 5.26 and sanctify thee unto himself; yea, whom he hath made flesh of his flesh? Can it bc that he should not have a special care over thee, k Rom. 8.32.33 Psal. 23.1. & 34.10. & 84.11 and provide every thing for thee, which he seethe to be best for thee? Can he suffer any evil to happen unto thee? yea, rather will he not seek by all means to cherish thee? No man ever yet hated his own flesh, but nourisheth and cherisheth it: l Ephes. 5 29 Even so doth the Lord his Church, which is his own body, whereof he is m Ephes. 5.23 the head and Saviour. Even nature will teach every one to make much of his body, to preserve it from all evil, from all hurts and dangers which might befall it, or any part or member of it, and to do it all the good he can by any means; how much more shall Christ (who is the God of nature, and the fountain of all grace, and far more tender over his body (the Church) and all the members of it, than any man is, or possibly can be, of his own natural and corruptible body,) how much more shall he save, defend, preserve, and provide all things necessary and convenient for his? It cannot be otherwise. n Eccles. 8 12 Isay. 3.10. Assuredly, it shall be well with thee, and with all that are his. He is Almighty and able to do it for thee, and most loving, careful and tender over thee, and therefore will do it according to his promise plighted unto thee in this behalf. o Hebr. 13 10 Comfort thyself with this; and fear not, howsoever Satan and his wicked instruments p Psal. 3.6. & 118.6. shall oppose themselves against thee; be not daunted or dismayed thereat, yea, let them (as they have cause) be stricken with fear, & damped in their malicious courses intended against thee. Little think they what they do when they do ill unto thee; they strike against the Rock which will dash them in pieces q Isay. 8.15 ; they kick against the prick r Act. 9.5. . Touch not mine anointed, s Psal. 105 15 saith the Lord, those that are anointed with the heavenly graces of my holy spirit; yea, (which is more) touch not, harm not, those that are united unto me, that are as near unto me as mine own flesh & bones, the t Zachar. 2 8 apple of mine eyes, most dear and tender unto me. Christ cannot endure this, he will not suffer it to go unpunished: O it is a fearful thing to be an enemy to the least of Christ's redeemed ones. Fear v Isay. 8.12.13 not therefore the fear of any man, that in opposing thee, setteth himself against Christ thy Saviour, but let them fear and tremble whiles they do it, and trust thou in the Lord, and cleave fast unto him in all things. And seeing he hath linked thee unto himself so near, making thee his Spouse, and professing himself to be jealous of x Exod. 20 5. Hos. 2.2.7 thy love▪ see that thou preparest thyself so as thou mayest always be ready to be presented unto him as a y 2 Cor. 11.2. pure Virgin, that so he may delight z Prou. 8.31 Cant. 4.10 in thee, and in thy love continually. O merciful LORD, do thou work and frame my heart unto these things daily more and more, I humbly beseech thee; especially inflame my frozen and benumbed affections, and kindle in me the sparks of true and unfeigned love unto thee, who hast dealt so exceeding graciously with me above, all merits or deserts of mine. Oh what a wonderful and unspeakable love is this of thee, my GOD and Saviour, that thou shouldest pick and cull me out of the a Gal. 1.4. world, a sinful wretch, a forlorn person, not worthy of the least degree of thy love, a branch of that cursed b Rom. 11.17. & 5.12 17. root, the son of Adam, the child of wrath & perdition (for so I must needs confess I was by c Ephes. 2.3. Tit. 3.3. nature as well as others) and unite me so nearly d Ephes. 2.13. unto thine own self, as to be flesh of thy flesh and bone of thy bone, one with thee, as thou art one with the Father. O the depth e Ephes. 3.18 of thy love, and infinite compassions towards me! It cannot be conceived, it cannot be expressed, what a marvelous degree of love this is. It is unsearchable, boundless, bottomless. O let the meditation of it even ravish my heart and soul, and cause me to break forth uncessantly into praise and thankfulness unto thee and to seek by all means to show my love unto thee, who hast magnified thy Grace & Mercy so richly towards me, in making me of so wretched a creature, so blessed and glorious, though the vail be yet so spread before mine eyes, that f Col. 3.3.4. 1 joh. 3.2. I cannot perfectly see or discern what my blessedness and glory is; but shall have it fully manifested both unto myself and others, when thou (who art my life and hope) shalt appear in glory, and be made marvelous in g 2 Thes. 1.10. all them that believe in thee. How Christians are to live in regard of that near union that is between them and Christ. THE body of every true believer, is a member of Christ's a 1 Cor. 6.15 body. How carefully therefore ought they always to keep them from being the instruments of sin, or the weapons b Rom. 6.19. of unrighteousness, sith Christ thereby is so greatly dishonoured? Shall the members of Christ be made the limbs of Satan? Shall his tongue speak wickedness, his eyes see vanity, his hands work iniquity, or any part of his mystical body be made an instrument to commit sin and unrighteousness? God forbidden. Blessed Lord, seeing it hath pleased thee of thy free grace, through faith, to unite me unto Christ my head and blessed Saviour, to engraff me into his body, and to make even this weak and frail body of mine, a true member of his mystical body; grant I beseech thee, that I may labour continually to keep this vessel of mine, holy and undefiled, free from all pollution and defilement of sin, and from being an instrument to commit any wickedness, lest thereby I should dishonour my head, & show myself unworthy c 2 Cor. 6.14.15. to be joined unto him in so near and happy a union: yea, let it be my endeavour always to preserve my body in purity and holiness, and to give all the parts and members thereof, servants unto righteousness, yea, to serve thee continually, both in body d 1 Cor. 6.20. and spirit, that so honour and glory may redound to Christ my Saviour, who with thee, O Father, and thy Spirit, be blessed both now and for ever, Amen. How Christians are to be affected one towards another in regard of their union to Christ, and each to other. ALL that are true Christians, being united unto Christ their head, are a 1 Cor. 12 members of the same body under Christ their head; united each to other, as they are all to Christ: members one of another, b Ephe. 4.4 living by the same Spirit, and looking for the same glory, c 1 Pet. 1.3 joh. 17.24 even that immortal and never-fading inheritance reserved in the heavens for them, where they shall dwell with Christ their Saviour for evermore. How then should they envy, hate and malign one another, and seek to procure what mischief they can each to other? What an unkind and unnatural thing is this? Doth one member of the body ever hate d 1 Cor. 12.20.21. or envy another, yea the basest and meanest (though indeed even the basest and uncomliest have not only a use and conveniency for the rest, but also a kind of beauty and comeliness in themselves, howsoever in the present estate of this sinful life covered with the show of indecency and moral dishonesty;) yea, doth not one care for the other, e 1 Cor. 12.25.26. suffer with the other, and rejoice with the other? So is it with all that are true Christians, natural and lively members of that mystical body of Christ jesus. There is a mutual sympathy between them. They are, as it were of one heart, and of one f Acts 4.32. soul. They cannot but love and affect those in whom they see evident, or likely signs to persuade them that they are true Christians, grafted with them into the same stock; they can not hate them from the heart, they can not wish or procure their evil, but desire and seek their good in all things, and so much the more will their love abound towards them, as they see that they are more nearly united unto Christ their Head and Saviour. Either therefore, show thy entire and Christian affection unto all the Saints, the members of Christ, or else never deceive g 1 joh. 4.20 thyself with the vain dreams of thine own brain, but know thyself, and confess (as the truth is) that thou art not yet united unto Christ, that thou hast no part in him, but art a stranger from him & from that life of grace and glory which flows from him; yea, that thou art of that serpentine h Gen. 3.15. seed which is always at enmity with the redeemed of Christ, one of that wicked race, and of Satan's brood i joh. 3.10 , a child of the curse and an heir of perdition k Phil. 1.28. , who could never abide the sons of the promised l Gal. 4.29 . If thou sayest thou art in the light, thou givest God the lie m 1 john 2.9.11. ; nay, thou art covered with darkness, and walkest like one blinded, unto thine own destruction in that place of utter darkness and everlasting desolation. Gracious Lord, as thou hast in the riches of thy mercies united me unto CHRIST, and so through him to all that are his, making us all members of one body, whereof he is the Head; so unite my heart and soul, I humbly pray thee, in an entire love and affection unto thee, and unto thy Son, my blessed Lord and Saviour; and in him, and for his sake, to all those in whom I can see any signs or evidences that they are engraffed into that mystical body together with me, children of the same Father, brethren of the same Saviour, and Heirs of the same grace and glory, which thou hast freely promised to all thine. O let me never hate, despise, or wrong the least of them in any sort (for thereby I should show myself to be very unnatural;) but let me love them, delight in them n Psal. 16.3. , and seek to do o Gal. 6.10 them what good I can by any means. Let me root out of my heart all sinister conceits and wicked surmises, (which are the very bane of true Christian love and Charity) and let me bend myself always to think the best of p 1 Cor. 13 them, and to do the best for them, according to their necessity, and my ability; yea, let them always be dear unto me, and precious in mine eyes, and so much the more as they shall appear to be more nearly and firmly united unto thee; that thus I may please thee, and have assurance that I am a lively member of CHRIST JESUS, the Head of his Church, and my blessed LORD and Saviour, to whom with thee and thy Spirit, be all praise and glory, both now and evermore, Amen. A wicked life, and the profession of Religion, how ill they agree. AS is a precious Pearl in the dirt, or a jewel of Gold in a Swine's snout, so is the name of a Christian, or the profession of Religion in one of a wicked and profane life. How unbeseeming a thing is it? How ill do they agree? How is the glory and beauty of the one stained, and blemished, by the vileness and baseness of the other? Either therefore, let men never take this honour unto themselves to be called and accounted Christians, and to wear the badge and cognisance of Christ's holy and redeemed ones, or else let them (as it is meet they should) cast away the cloaks of shame wherewith they have covered themselves heretofore, and abandon all their former sinful and evil courses wherein formerly they have walked, to the dishonour of God, a Rom. 2.24 the disgrace of their profession, b 1 Pet. 2.12 Tit. 2.5. yea, and to the increase of their own condemnation, if they continue in their wickedness. c 2 Pet▪ ● 21 O blessed Lord, as it hath pleased thee in the riches of thy mercies to call me to the knowledge and the acknowledgement of thee, & to the profession of thy glorious name, even of thy Christ to be called a Christian, and to stand upon the privileges and royal prerogatives which belong unto those that are indeed his redeemed ones, bought with his most precious blood: so I humbly beseech thee, to make my life and conversation every way answerable to my calling and profession. Let me consider oft and seriously of the dignity and excellency whereunto I am advanced above those that are aliens from thee, strangers from thy covenant, d Ephes. 2.12 without Christ, without God, and without the name of Christianity and godliness, children of the night e 1 Thes. 1 5.5 and of darkness; and let me always be ashamed to do any thing, whereby I may in any sort bring a stain upon that which is and should be my glory, or a dishonour to that blessed and glorious name, after which I am called, causing others through my folly and wickedness to speak evil of thee, and of thy grace and truth; yea, let the very thought of this, that I should be so overtaken at any time (as Lord thou knowest what my fraily and weakness is if I be not continually strengthened and supported by thee) let it even cause me to blush within myself, and to hang down my head with grief and sorrow; and withal to stir up myself to walk more carefully, f Ephes. 5.15 and circumspectly all my days, striving and endeavouring, as to have the name of a Christian, so to follow the example of Christ g 1 Pet. 2. to tread in his steps, and to walk as he hath walked, setting him always as a pattern and precedent before me; as to have the show, so likewise the power of godliness in my whole life and conversation, and to walk worthy of the vocation h Ephes. 4.1. wherewith thou hast honoured me; shining forth as a light in this sinful world, i Phil. 2.14 1 Pet. 2.9. and showing forth the virtues of thee my Lord and Saviour, who hast called me out of the darkness of sin and ignorance, into that marvelous light of thine, both of grace and of glory; that thus they that are enemies to thy truth, and seek by all means to bring reproach upon that glorious profession, with which thou hast graced thy servants, having nothing concerning me to speak evil of justly, thy great name may be glorified, thy Gospel adorned, that worthy calling whereunto thou hast called me beautified, my soul and conscience comforted, and both body and soul eternally saved in that great day wherein thou hast appointed to judge the world in righteousness, by him whom thou hast ordained Lord of all things, Christ my righteousness; to whom with thee O Father and thy blessed Spirit be all praise and glory both now and for evermore. Amen. A Christian, either the best or the worst of all men; most happy or most miserable. A CHRISTIAN is either the most happy of all other men, or the most miserable. Most happy, if he hath the truth of that which he beareth the name of, being a Christian not only in outward profession, but also in inward affection, manifesting itself by action and outward conversation. Most miserable if he want that which cannot be wanting in any true Christian, having only the title and outward badge of a Christian, and not the inward endowments of those heavenly virtues and graces of Gods holy and sanctifying spirit, a Galat. 5.24 nor the outward ornaments of a godly and religious life, wherewith all that are true Christians indeed, are beautified and adorned; miserable are such men of all others if they could see it. Better were it for them to be Turks, Pagans, and such as never heard of the name of a Christian: and easier shall it be for the most rude and barbarous nation in the world that know not God nor Christ; yea, for those vile and monstruous people, the wicked Sodomites (whom the Lord branded with a note of perpetual infamy, b 2 Pet. 2.6 and made spectacles of his wrath and vengeance to all ensuing ages) easier I say (nay Christ himself hath spoken it with his own mouth) shall it be for that wicked and cursed generation, in the day of judgement then for them, even those false and counterfeit Christians, which are the very stain of the name and profession of Christianity and godliness, c Math. 11 24 causing by the wickedness of their lives the name of Christ to be blasphemed d Rom. 2.24 among the heathen, and by their unseemly actions and shameless conversations bringing this honourable calling into contempt and reproach among those that are strangers from God and his Christ, and judge of the truth of our Religion, not by that which is the true touchstone, and cannot deceive, (viz. the Scriptures and glorious word which we believe:) but by the lives and carriages of those that are the professors of it, or bear the name of Christians or Professors, concluding (though falsely) that that Religion cannot be good nor to be embraced of any which they see to bring forth no better fruits in those that are the professors of it, or have the name of such as are professors of it (for they make no difference) yea, Tit. 1.16. 2 Pet. 2.2. Rom. 8.9. as, or worse than they see in that blindness of turcism or Paganism wherein they live. Fearful is the estate of such titular, and seeming Christians, or indeed rather no Christians, (although they have a place in the Church, and live among Christians, as the Chaff among the Wheat,) men of wicked and corrupt hearts and lives, of which there be multitudes among us, (the shame and reproach of the Christian world; yea, of Christ himself) fearful and wretched is their estate and condition: of all, their condemnation shall be greatest; for so the Truth itself hath threatened against them, and will surely accomplish it in due time. This is the e joh. 3.19 condemnation, (that is, this is the cause of that great and fearful condemnation,) that light is come into the world and men love darkness rather than the light. Children of night and of darkness f 1 Thes. 5.5. ; yea, of the curse and perdition, how think you ye shall escape the vengeance that is to come, except as you have taken upon you the name of Christians, so you live as it becometh Christians; except you change your lives g Mat. 3.8. Acts 3.19. , and bring forth fruits worthy amendment of life, not thinking it to be sufficient to say, we have Christ to be our Saviour and Redeemer; except you show yourselves to be such, as are redeemed from sin, and loosed from the bands of h joh. 3.8. Luke 1.75 john 3.36. Psal. 2.12. iniquity, the work of the Devil; which was the end of Christ's coming, and which all that are redeemed by him, must find to be wrought in them. If you believe and obey not, * john 3.36 2 Thes. 1.8. assuredly you shall perish, the wrath of God abideth on you, and shall be poured forth upon you in the day of the wrath, and of the declaration of the just judgement of God. Christ shall no ways profit you; he shall not be a Saviour to redeem you, but a judge to condemn you, and to render unto you according to your ways i Isay 3.11. and works that ye have done. Hear this (you that have the name and show of Christians and are not,) hear it, consider well of it, and tremble at it, and learn at length to be Christinns, not in show and profession only (for that will turn to your greater condemnaton) but in deed and in truth, which will bring you much peace and joy here k Rom. 2.7 , and infinite and unspeakable happiness and glory hereafter, when as Christ (that blessed hope of ours) shall appear in glory l 2 Thes. 1 10. , and be made marvelous in all them that have believed in him, and been obedient to him. Gracious Lord (who art the author and finisher of every good gift and grace, which is wrought in any of thine,) perfect I beseech thee, that work of grace which of thy free mercy and goodness it hath pleased thee to begin in me, O let me never be of the number of them that have a show of godliness m 2 Tim. 3.5. , but deny the power thereof; professing themselves to be Christians, and yet live as those that are enemies to Christ, brutish and Heathenish people. far be this from me; for so I should heap the greatest measure of thy wrath upon me, bring myself to endless woe and misery, having my portion among them to whom Christ in the day of his appearance, in flaming fire n 2 Thes. 1.7.9. shall render vengeance, because they were not obedient to thy blessed Gospel; but grant that as thou hast vouchsafed me the title and honour of a Christian, so I may walk worthy of that holy and glorious profession, endeavouring to keep a good conscience always, both before thee and before men, and to live righteously, justly, and unblamably, as it becometh one of those whom thou hast separated from this vile and sinful world, this naughty and crooked generation, and called unto thy kingdom and glory, by the preaching of the Gospel of thy Christ, that so being made like unto my Saviour in righteousness and holiness here, and seeking to glorify thee in all things, I may hereafter obtain the glory of our Lord jesus Christ, living with him in those heavenly mansions (according to that promise of his, who is faithful and true in all his sayings) and being made partaker with him of that felicity and happiness o 2 The. 2 14. joh. 17.24 which is endless and unspeakable; and that only through thy mercies in Christ, in whom it hath pleased thee to accept me; and to whom with thee and thy good Spirit, be all praise now and for ever. Amen. Another to the same effect. THE sin of Christians is the greatest of all others, and so their punishment likewise, God being always just to render vengeance a Rom. 6.2 according to the quality of the offence. First, that their sin is greatest, will easily appear to him that rightly and thoroughly considereth of it. For, these sin with knowledge; others, in many things, through ignorance. Now ignorance of the fault we know hath some pretence; and doth, though not wholly, yet in part, excuse and lessen the fault; but where there is knowledge of the fault and yet no conscience to shun and avoid it, there is no pretence, no excuse. Yea, the more light and the greater knowledge that there is of the evil forbidden, the more inexcusable doth it make the committer thereof b Luk. 12.47 joh. 9.41. , & the nearer doth it come to the fearful sin of Presumption, yea, of Contempt, which is a sin with a high hand, a crying sin, which calleth loud in the ears of the Lord for the fierceness of his wrath and vengeance to be executed upon the offenders therein. Again, the sin of those that bear the name of Christians, is greater and more heinous than the sin of Pagans, Turks, and such as are not Christians, because they have not so many means to preserve them from the contagion of sin as Christians have; as reading of the Word, hearing of the same, mutual exhortation, c Hebr. 3.13. good example of those that are true Christians, who shine as lights d Phi. 3.17 & 2.16. amongst them, so that they can not go aside into crooked paths with those that walk in darkness, except they will of purpose shut their eyes, and be willingly (if not wilfully) wicked. And to these add the joint prayers of the Church, the fruit and benefit whereof cannot be so great to them that are without, as to these that are in the bosom thereof, and for whom more especially they are ordained e Ephes. 6.18. : and therefore in this regard, their sin is increased above the sin of others that want those means which they have. Besides, as others have not so many means to preserve them from evil; so they have not so many motives to draw them unto good, as Christians and those that live in the Church have, from the fear of the judgement to come, the f Act. 3.19 & 24.15.16. 2 Cor. 5.10. 2 Thes. 1.7.8.9. resurrection of the g Rom. 2.7 1 Cor. 15.58. 1 joh. 3.2.3 just and unjust, the terror of that great and dreadful day, which is of force (one would think) to persuade with any one that is not altogether hardened and seared, as it were with a hot Iron; the hope of that great and unspeakable glory which is promised unto them which do well h 1 joh. 3.5.8. in believing; the end of Christ's coming i Gal. 1.4. , even to lose the works of the Devil (which are sin) and to deliver men from this present evil World, that so they might serve him in righteousness and holiness all their days k Luk. 1.75. . And (which is the main and chief of all) the infinite and unspeakable love of God in l joh. 3.16 1 joh. 4.9. giving Christ to be a Saviour and Redeemer unto them, to free them from that cursed and miserable estate into which they were fallen, and of Christ in giving and offering himself to save and redeem them, and that with so great a price m 1 Pet. 1.19. Mat. 27. , even the shedding of his most precious blood after his grievous Agony, and most bitter Passion; the very remembrance and consideration whereof, doth make the heart of him that is a Christian indeed, even to melt within him, and constrain him to burn in love towards Christ n 2 Cor. 5 14.15 1 Pet. 4.1.2.23. , and in love of him to abstain from all sin, which he knoweth to be so displeasing and hateful to him, being that which caused his head to be crowned with thorns, his hands and feet to be pierced with nails, and his side with a spear till, water and blood gushed out. These things (which others either hear not of at all, or at least a far off, without evident demonstration of the truth thereof to the convincing of the judgement, or effectual persuasion to the moving of the affections by particular application) do continually sound forth in the ears of them that are Christians, and children of the Church, living within the bounds thereof. The Trumpet is daily blown, as it were, among them, and with the shrill noise thereof so pierceth their ears, that if they be not deaf, they can not but hear it; the ministery of the Word is ordained for this purpose, and therefore if all these do not prevail more with them, and cause them to be more free from sin than others, their sin is the greater, they are altogether inexcusable, and worse than the worst of the blind and seduced Heathen, who know not God, nor Christ. Lastly, (to pass over many things) needs must their sin be greater than the sin of others, because it is more offensive and injurious unto God, and more hurtful unto his truth, than all the sins which are, or can be committed by others (how many or great soever.) The Lord hath more wrong done unto him by one sin that he that hath taken upon him the name and profession of a Christian committeth, then by twenty that are committed by others that are strangers from him, and know him not; and he is more provoked by a little sin (as men count little) which these commit willingly and openly, then by the great and notorious crimes of which the Heathen are guilty and attainted in the eye of the world. And, no marvel: For who is there that doth not take it more to heart when he is ill dealt with by him that professeth himself to be his friend (though it be but once, and in one matter) then if he were oft & many ways wronged by him, that is his open and professed enemy? Of the one he could look for no better; of the other he had no cause to expect so bad, but better. Or, who is it that would not take it more heinously that one that were his Servant (or in the place of a Servant under him) should abuse him once, and that when he would seem to be serviceable unto him, then if he that were a stranger and knew him not, should offer him many abuses, many indignities which could not be well put up neither: so it is between God and them that are Christians, at least in show and profession, and even when they profess love and friendship unto him, yet show by their works that they hate him; yea, whiles they seem to be worshippers of him, yet do indeed worship the Devil, yielding themselves serviceable and obedient to him in the things which he suggesteth unto them, and casting away the Lords Commandments behind their backs. Oh their sin is a crying and a provoking sin, it maketh the Lord's wrath and jealousy to burn like fire; he o Act. 17.30. winketh at the sins of the Heathen, in a sort, (though with dislike, not sparing them, but executing judgement upon them, according to the number and measure of their trasgressions.) But he frowneth upon these, and taketh notice of them with an ireful countenance, and writes them all with greater letters p jer. 2.22. in his Book of Account, that so he may call men to a more severe reckoning for them, and in the fierceness of his wrath, and fury of his indignation, pour out greater vengeance upon them, because he hath been more dishonoured by them. Fotr, his is that which hath turned to his greatest dishonour, for this cause hath his holy name been blasphemed, q Rom. 2.24. and railed upon by the Heathen, and his Commandments and ordinances contemned and despised; even those great things of his Law by this means have been accounted as a vain r Hos. 8.12 , nay as a profane thing. For how could the Heathen but open their mouths and blaspheme the Name of the Lord, and the truth of Religion which he hath established, when they see the lives of them that take the profession thereof upon them, as bad, or worse than theirs? O who is able to express how exceedingly the Lord is provoked when he beholdeth this? How his wrath doth even burn within him till it break forth and consume them. For it is time for him to look to it s Psa. 119.126. , when he seethe that his Law is destroyed by them who were betrusted with it, that through their means it might be kept and preserved from the injury and violence of others, that either knew not the excellency of it, or else had no love or regard unto it. Think of these things, ye that have taken the name and title of Christians unto you, but yet have nothing of Christianity or true piety and godliness in you, but the mask and vizard thereof only: The sin of these days and times, this last and worst age of the world, long ago foretold t 2 Tim. 3.5 and prophesied of; verbal Christians and formal professors (for of these only we speak) who have the name of Christians, and yet live like heathen the badge of Christ's servants, & redeemed ones, and yet live like the professed servants of sin and Satan, being in bondage unto many lusts, chained unto many sins, laden with many iniquities, yea, shamefully polluted and defiled with many vile abominations, profanations of the Saboth, oaths, blasphemies, uncleanness, drunkenness, covetousness, oppression, malice, uncharitableness, etc. to the dishonour of God, and the disgrace of their profession. v Isay. 1.4 Ah sinful and crooked generation, a seed of the wicked, corrupt children, children of the adulteress that hath gone a whoring from God while she made show of love, and duty ro him; such as have the false Church to be your mother while you would be accounted the children of the true Church; Know you not how great your sin and wickedness is, and how great the punishment thereof shall be? how you are in worse estate than even the heathen themselves? Are you so blind that you cannot see this; or willingly ignorant, that although you know it, yet you will not understand x 2 Pet. 3.5. ? Deceive not yourselves any longer. Think it not sufficient to say we are Christians, we live in the Church. The covenant and the promises belong unto us and therefore (if it shall be well with any, it shall be so with us. No, no, even this which should have been your glory and happiness, shall be the increase of your misery. As you have been lifted y Math. 11 23 up to heaven by your outward ptofession of Christ, and the means of grace and salvation so plentifully offered unto you in the ministry of the Gospel, so you shall be cast down to hell and receive the greater condemnation, for the wickedness of your lives and conversations in that you have not been answerable to the grace vouchsafed unto you. I tremble to think of your estate, though you are secure and regard it not, but think all is well, crying out as the jews were wont to do, the Temple of the Lord, z jer. 7.4. the Temple of the Lord, we have the means of life and salvation, Christ dwelleth amongst us, we are baptized into his name, we believe in him, and hope to be saved by him. Lord do thou at length open their eyes, that they may see themselves, and their sin and misery, and turn them unto thee, even as many of them as thou hast ordained to life and glory. O do thou cause all of us that have taken upon us the names of Christians, to live as it becometh Christians, to cast away the unfruitful works of darkness, and to walk as the children of light, endeavouring always to be answerable unto the means of grace which thou afford unto us, increasing daily more and more in righteousness, and holiness, and in all holy conversation and godliness, and showing forth the virtues of thee our God and Saviour, that so we may avoid the misery that will come upon them that profess thee in word, but deny thee in deed and in truth; and be approved of thee, and receive that blessing from thee, which thou hast promised, and wilt give unto all that call upon thy name in truth and faithfulness. God esteemeth of us according to our affections. HOw graciously doth God deal with his children, whereas he might justly require of them exact obedience to his law, even in the rigour thereof, yet in great mercy he doth far otherwise. He dealeth with us as children; not as servants. As long as he seethe there is a sincere and unfeigned desire, any entire affection in us to do that which he hath commanded, although we are not able to do it as it hath commanded, he beareth with us, and is well pleased with us, he accepteth our desire and endeavour for the deed itself, our affections are actions with him, who looketh chief at the heart, and if that be good, spareth us, as a father his weak children that desire to please him in a better manner, then by reason of their frailty they can. He spareth us, and in a sort winketh at the evil, a Mat. 3.17 2 Co. 8.21 Heb. 10.17 Psal. 119 40 which we commit unwillingly. Were it not that the Lord showed himself a father to us in this regard, and not a judge calling us in every thing to a straight & severe account, b Psal. 130.3. & 143.2 who were able to abide it? who could hold up his head in his presence or come before him with any comfort or confidence, as notwithstanding we ought to do, c Rom. 5.2 Heb. 4.14 & 10.22. except we will displease him, and be disobedient to his heavenly voice, by which he calleth us hereunto. O Lord if I had not comfort in this, how exceeding comfortless should I be? how oft, and much dismayed, and even covered with shame, & confusion of face, when in my secret thoughts and meditations I look up unto thee; much more when I entered into thy presence, to perform any duty or service unto thee; for lo I find myself to be a sinful man, d Rom. 7.24 laden with many sins and iniquities, full of frailty and infirmities. The good which I would, d Rom 7.19 I cannot do, and the evil which I would not, that do I. Many ways do I continually sin against thee, both in omission of the good which thou hast commanded, and in commission of the contrary evil; sin cleaveth e Heb. 12.1. Rom. 7.17 & 24 unto me in my best actions and performances, wherein I desire most to please thee, and to approve myself unto thee; yea, it compasseth me about on every side, and holdeth me in a kind of bondage and thraldom under it, so that my soul mourneth many times secretly within me, and panteth f Psal. 119.131. after thee, desiring to be loosed from this body of sin, and to enjoy that perfect liberty and freedom, and that full enlargement from this misery which thou hast promised unto thy Saints and servants. Have mercy upon me, O most merciful Lord, have mercy upon me; and according unto thy free and gracious promise look down upon me with the eye of thy fatherly compassion; accept my weak and inperfect desires, as if I were able to perform that perfect obedience unto thee, which thy law requireth. Deal with me as thou usest to deal with thy children. Behold I desire thy commandments, g Psal. 119 40 accept me according to that which I have, and not according to that which I have not: Let the truth of my inward affection, be as the perfection of action before thee; my desire to serve thee as if I did tender much better service to thee then I do, or can do. heal my infirmities, I humbly pray thee; and quicken me every day more and more with thy grace and spirit, that so I may walk before thee in all thy ways, with more cheerfulness and sincerity; and howsoever I have cause to be discouraged, in regard of myself, and my manifold im●erfections, when I enter into thy presence, yet having respect to those sweet and gracious promises, which thou hast made unto me in thy Christ (in whom thou lookest always upon me, and in whose righteousness thou wilt now and ever accapt me, covering all my infirmities with that perfect obedience of his,) Let me always approach unto the throne of thy grace with comfort and boldness, being assured that I shall find grace & mercy of thee, who never failest in any thing which thou hast promised: but showest thyself to be abundant in goodness and truth above that we are able to ask or think. To thee be praise for ever. Amen. True love of God, how it may be discerned from that which is counterfeit and hypocritical. MAny there be, that in word profess they love God, but few that love him indeed, and in truth. Wilt thou know therefore, whether his love be in thee or no? whether thy heart be rightly affected towards him? Consider then what I shall say unto thee, yea what God himself (who is the truth itself) speaks unto thee, unto me, unto all of us. They that love him, do first find that they are loved of him a 1 joh. 4.19 . And this love of his, shed into their hearts, causeth them to love him again; and their love towards him, manifesteth itself, First by a care and delight to keep his commandments. So he saith, If ye love me, keep my commandments b joh. 14.15.21.23.24. & 15.14. . And again, c 1 joh. 5.3. This is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. They are not grievous or burdensome unto them, but they delight in them concerning the inner man d Rom. 7.22 : yea, they are an easy yoke and a light burden unto them e Math. 11 30 . Although they oft fail (and cannot but fail) in the performance of them, in regard of the relics and remainders of sin and corruption, which are in them, and will be in them unto death, f Heb. 12.1 cleaving as fast unto them as their skin doth unto their flesh; yet as far as they are regenerate, and renewed by grace, their hearts are set upon them g Psal. 119 40. Hebr. 13.18. ; they find much sweetness in them, they desire and endeavour with all their souls, to keep and observe them, not one, but all of them h Psal. 119.6. ; yea, it is their full resolution, and their constant endeavour to yield themselves flexible and pliable thereunto in all things. They make holy vows, and enter into covenant with themselves; yea, they bind themselves, as it were, by a solemn i Psal. 119.106. oath and promise to perform them to the uttermost of their strength and power. Their heart k Psal. 119 vers. 20. breaketh in a manner for the earnest desire and fervent affection they have thereunto; yea, like the chased and wearied Hind, they l Vers. 131 pant after them. Thus they that love the Lord, delight in all his Commandments, both in knowing them, and in keeping and observing them; and therefore they are careful in using the means whereby they may be furthered herein, as, reading the Word, hearing the same preached, godly conference, receiving the Sacraments, Prayer, etc. they joy herein, and make much account of these and all other blessed ordinances of the Lord; they are precious in their eyes, they esteem more of them then of their appointed food m job 23.12. . And hereby it doth appear indeed that their hearts are toward the Lord, that they do love him truly and sincerely. Again, their love to him showeth itself, by a hatred n Psal. 97.10. of all evil, which they know to be hateful and displeasing unto him above all things: Having a sense and feeling of his love and favour towards them, yea of the exceeding riches of his grace and kindness towards them in CHRIST JESUS, they burn in love again towards him; and this love of theirs towards him, in a special manner restraineth them from all sin, and draweth, yea forceth and constraineth them to the contrary virtues. For they judge it a meet o 2 Cor. 5.14.15. 1 Pet. 4.1.2 and most equal thing that seeing Christ, in love to them, hath died for their sins, that therefore they even in love towards him, should be dead unto sin for which he died; and that as he rose again to manifest his victory and triumph over sin and Satan, and to raise them out of the grave of sin, to the life of righteousness and holiness; so that they also should live no more unto themselves and to their sins, but to him who so loved them that he died for them, and gave his precious blood to wash and cleanse p Tit. 2.14 them from all sin and iniquity, and to make them a righteous seed, q 1 Pet. 2.9. a holy nation a peculiar people, that they should show forth the virtues of him that hath called them out of the darkness of sin & death, into that marvelous light both of his grace here, and glory hereafter. Thus the love of God entering into their spirits doth purge and purify them throughout; it doth presently void out that filth and corruption both of original pollution & actual transgression which was before in them; and smothereth up their carnal, earthly and sensual love by a greater force, at least, it striveth so to do (for the old man will not be quite dead as long as they live in this world.) It worketh mightily and very forcibly in them, and is of marvelous efficacy for the cleansing of them from all sin, and fitting and preparing them both in body & soul to be temples and mansion-places for the holy Ghost, the glorious spirit of God to rest and to dwell in. What should I say? They having tasted of the bounty, and superabundant love of God, in Christ their Saviour towards them, and having in them the holy Ghost testifying r Rom. 8.16. unto them, & assuring them that they are the sons of God; yea, sealing this unto their souls and consciences, have such a sincere, entire, and pure love kindled in their breasts, that they do desire unfeignedly to abstain from all sin which they know is so displeasing unto him, and to please him in all things; and when they are solicited either by Satan or their own corrupt nature, to the commission of any thing which is evil, they say with righteous joseph, s Gen. 39.9. How can I do this great wickedness, and so sin against God, who hath been so good and gracious unto me? Hath the Lord loved me with so great a love, and shall I not love him again, and manifest my love towards him, by a care to keep his Commandments? This is such a flame that it cannot but break forth out of the heart into the life. This is such a fountain, as cannot but send forth the streams of pure water into the actions of the life. This (in a word) causeth them to leave and to abhor that which is evil, and to cleave unto that which is good, to desire and endeavour in truth and sincerity to keep all the righteous Commandments of God. The love of God shed abroad into their hearts, kindleth & inflameth their hearts towards him, and so maketh them to hate evil, because he hateth it, and to love righteousness because he loveth it; yea, their hearts are so heated and so inwardly affected with the sense of the love of God, which the spirit of grace stirreth up in them, that they even melt in love and entire affection unto God, and desire unfeignedly to please him in all things, and to show themselves zealous for his glory, because he hath so commanded them; even for the love which they bear unto him, who hast showed himself to be so loving and gracious a God, so kind and tender a Father towards them in CHRIST JESUS: Nay, they desire that others also should have experience of that which they have felt, even of the unspeakable love of GOD in CHRIST towards those whom he embraceth in him. They desire with the t joh. 4.28 29 woman of Samaria, that every one should taste of that which they have had so comfortable experience of in their souls and spirits; and that others also as well as they, might abstain from all kind of sin and wickedness; & they mourn and groan within themselves, their hearts are grieved, and their eyes v Psa. 119.136.139. drop down tears in abundance when they see it is otherwise. As they have no x joh. 3.4. greater joy then to see God honoured by the diligent keeping of his Commandments, so there can be no greater grief unto them, then to see him dishonoured by the neglect and contempt thereof. Oh, this is a vexation, and even a torment unto their souls, as it was unto righteous Lot, y 2 Pet. 2.7. when he beheld the abominations of the cursed Sodomites. It is, as it were, a hell to them to be in the company of such as blaspheme the name of the Lord, and set themselves to work wickedness, to the provoking of his glorious Majesty. And hereby it doth appear that they love God in truth, and not in word and tongue only, as the most do. If it be thus with us, we have cause to bless God, and to rejoice in the assurance of this that our hearts are sincere and upright before him, and that we love him, and are z Pro. 8.17 , and shall ever a joh. 13.1 be loved of him. But if this be not in us (at least in some measure) our love which we profess towards him, is but a counterfeit and hypocritical love, which he hateth; yea, if we be not thus affected, if we say that we love him, we are liars, and thee is no truth in us; our words fight with our actions, like unto them that struck CHRIST, saying, b joh. 19.3 Hail Master: we are so far from loving him, that we do not so much as c 1 joh. 2.4. know him by an effectual and saving knowledge; neither are known or in any sort approved of him: yea, he loathes us, and so much the more, as we dissemble with the world, and make show of that love towards him, which is not in us. O blessed LORD, how unspeakable is thy love, how unsearchable are the riches of thy grace and mercy toward me in CHRIST JESUS, in whom thou hast embraced me with an infinite and an everlasting love before all worlds? yea, thou still lovest me, and wilt love me unto the end (for thy love is, as thyself, unchangeable d Rom. 11 29. .) Every day thou * Lam. 3.23. renewest thy compassions upon me. Thou vouchsafest to give me many pledges and sure evidences thereof; yea, thou sealest the same to my soul and spirit, by the testimony e Rom. 8.16 2 Cor. 8.16 of thy blessed Spirit, and by that inward joy, whereby thou causest me to rejoice even in the midst of mourning f Psa. 94.19. 2 Cor. 1.4. . Oh that thou wouldst draw g Cant. 1.3 my heart unto thee, and cause me to love thee again entirely, and unfeignedly! O that thou wouldst inflame these frozen affections of mine, and cause me even to melt and to burn in love towards thee! O that it would please thee to change all that carnal, that earthly and that sensual love and affection of this world and the things thereof, which is yet remaining in me, into a holy and spiritual love of thee, my GOD and Saviour, my kind and tender Father in CHRIST JESUS; that so I may love nothing but thee; or in thee, and for thee. And let this love of thee cause me to hate all sin which thou hatest with so great and so infinite a hatred; to hate it, to abhor it, and utterly to forsake it, though never so pleasing to my corrupt nature, never so profitable or gainful to me in any respect; and to love all righteousness, which thou lovest, and wherein thou delightest; that thus loving thee inwardly in heart & soul, and manifesting my love towards thee, by the fruits & effects of it in my life and conversation, I may every day have more full assurance of thy especial love towards me, and comfortable experience of the riches of thy grace and mercy sealed unto my soul & conscience; yea, I may see by the fruits and pledges of thy love that thou lovest me, and delightest in me, and wilt cause thy gracious countenance to shine upon me all my days; yea, that thou wilt refresh my soul in the midst of my troubles, and cause my fainting spirits to revive within me when death shallbe ready to seize upon me; and assoon as death shall put an end to this frail and sinful life, wilt stretch forth thy hand to embrace me with thy arms, and to translate me immediately by the ministry of thy Angels h Luk. 16.22. into that blessed and glorious kingdom of thine, where I shall enjoy thy presence, see thee face to face, and have the bright beams of thy loving countenance shining always most clearly and comfortably upon me, to thy endless praise and glory, and my unspeakable felicity and happiness for evermore; and all this through the merits and mediation of thy blessed Son, my only Saviour and Redeemer, in whom it hath pleased thee graciously to respect me, and to whom, with thee, O Father, and the spirit of grace and love, three persons, and one most glorious God, be all praise, dominion, and thanksgiving from this time forth and for ever. Amen. Love of the children of God. IT is impossible to love God, and to hate his image; to love Christ who is the head, and to hate Christians, who are his members. Nay, the more that any one loves the one, the more must he of necessity love the other; and the more his affection increaseth toward God, the more also it will increase towards those that are the children of God, resembling him (in their measure) in the inward graces and virtues of their minds, purity, righteousness, holiness, and the rest of those divine a Mat. 5.43 perfections, wherein he hath set himself as a pattern and precedent to be imitated and followed of them. He loves them entirely and unfeignedly, because he seethe that he is nearly tied unto them by many and straight bonds; as being members b 1 Cor. 12.27. of one body; children of one father c Math. 5.45. Ephe. 4.6 ; brethren d Mat. 12 50 Heb. 2.12. of one Sa●●our; fed e 1 Cor. 10 17. at one table, where they have mutual communion and fellowship in one f 1 Cor. 12.13 Ephes. 4.4. and the same spirit; nourished with the same meat in the word and Sacrament; living together in one and the same family, which is the visible Church; g Heb. 11.31. 1 Pet. 2.11 strangers together in this world, and traveling as pilgrims towards the same country, that heavenly Canaan; h 2 Tim. 4 7. soldiers fight together under the same banner, (the profession of the same faith) i Ephe. 4.5. and against the same common enemy, (the deadly enemy of all mankind) Satan, and his complices and confederates; partakers of the same grace of God's holy and sanctifying spirit; and jointheires with Christ of the same glory reserved for them and all the Saints in the highest heavens. Being so nearly allied, and so straightly united mutually each to other, by so many bands, so many Obligations, how can it be but that they should love one another with an entire and Christian affection, in truth and sincerity without vanity and flattery? Shameless k john 4.20 liars therefore they are, who glory in word that they are of God, and yet show forth by their deeds that they have no love to his children, but hate and despise them, or at least make little reckoning of them. If there were nothing else, this were enough to convince them, that they are not yet admitted into this fellowship, called to this brotherhood, but remain still as they were bred and borne, joh. 8.44 1 joh. 3.27 the bastardly brood of Satan, unto whom, and to his imps they are joined in the same league of friendship and familiarity, m Pro. 29.27 1 Pet. 4.4. hating and injuring them who will not be n Gen. 49.5. brethren with them in iniquity and vanity. O Lord, knit my heart daily more unto thee in an unfeigned love of thee my God, who hast loved me so dearly, and in an entire and Christian love and affection unto thy children, to whom thou hast linked and fastened me with so many bonds; let me love them, not in tongue or in word only, o john 3.18 but in deed and in truth, as it becometh me, and manifest my love towards them, in seeking by all means, to the uttermost of my strength and power, to procure their good every way: yea, the more that they do appear to be thine, the more thy graces do shine in them, the more let my love and affection increase towards them, the more let me seek to do them good. Hereby shall I have a certain proof, and a sure evidence that I love thee unfeignedly, seeing I love thine for thy sake; yea, hereby my heart shall assure me before thee, that I p 1 joh. 3.19. am in the truth; I shall have a comfortable assurance, that I am one of thine, one of that small number of thy adopted & chosen children, endued with thy grace, and heir together with all thy Saints of the riches of that glory which thou reservest for them in that heavenly kingdom, which thou hast purchased so us by the death of thy only Son, and our alone Saviour, in whom thou hast graciously accepted us, and to whom with thee and thy blessed spirit of grace and comfort, be all praise and glory both now and ever. Amen. How the hatred of the world is to be esteemed of the godly. IF the world hate us, what marvel is it, seeing that it a joh. 15.88. hated and persecuted him to the death by whom the world was made, b Heb. 1.2. and who is the Lord of the world and all things therein, even Christ jesus our blessed Saviour? Shall he that is the king of glory be content for our sakes, to endure the cross, and to be c Psal. 24.7. crowned with shame and dishonour, d Mat. 27.29. and shall we (sinful wretches worms of the earth) shall we be unwilling to have shame and reproach fastened upon us for his sake? yea, rather how ought we to account it our e Mat. 5.10 11. 1 Pet. 3.14 blessedness, when men revile us, disgrace us, and say all manner of evil against us, for his sake, falsely? how ought we to rejoice and be glad, when we suffer such things at the hands of the world, which always hath, and ever will be in irreconcilable enmity, and in flat opposition unto Christ our blessed Lord and Saviour, who willeth us to follow him f Mat. 10.24.25. & 38. in no other way than he hath gone before us, not to drink of any other cup, than he hath first more deeply tasted of then we ever can do, although our afflictions were mingled with much more gall and bitterness then either they are, or have been? O merciful Lord, let me be ready always with a willing, a patiented and cheerful mind to suffer rebuke for thy sake: let it not seem g 1 Pet. 4.12. strange or irksome unto me, though for thy name, I be hated h Psal. 44. & 64 3. , reviled, slandered, and laden with many reproaches, yea, covered with shame and ignominy, while the enemies of thy grace and truth speak cruelly, despitefully, and disdainfully against me all the day long: yea, let me rejoice herein, because hereby in some sort, I am made conformable unto thee i Col. 1.24 1 Pet. 4.13 2 Cor. 4.10 . When they speak bitter things against me, (being assured of mine innocence) let me take them upon my shoulder, and bind them as a crown unto me k job 31.36. . Yea, O Lord, seeing thou dost not vouchsafe that honour unto me, which thou hast done to many of thy dear and faithful ones (whom thou hast made glorious by their sufferings) to undergo stripes, bonds, imprisonment l Psal. 44.22. Hebr. 11.37 , and death itself for thy name's sake, and for the profession of thy holy and heavenly truth; let me account it a part of happiness unto me, and a special favour of thine towards me, that I may suffer these lesser things for thee; even the hatred, contempt, and reproach of the world (which always m Mat. 16.24. accompanieth those that will be thy Disciples,) and let me labour by all means, to prepare myself for the enduring of greater matters, even the loss of all earthly commodities, and the shedding of my dearest blood, if it shall please thee (who art the Lord of my life and death) to advance me unto that high dignity, and to crown me with that glory and blessedness, to become one of thy Witnesses, and to seal up my Profession by resisting unto blood. Comforts for the afflicted: OR, A preservative against impatience, or discontentment in any kind of Cross or Affliction; consisting of divers branches: The first drawn from the eternal decree and good providence of the Lord therein. I. ALL things come to pass by the a Psal. 103 19 Pro. 19.21. Eccle. 3.14 Isa. 45.7. Dan. 2.21. Amos 3.6. ordinance of GOD, even as he hath purposed and decreed. His divine providence ordereth and disposeth all things. There is not any thing which is done on the earth or happeneth unto any man, but he foreseeeth it long before, determineth of all the circumstances of it; both when, b Gen. 45.5. Exod. 21.13. Mat. 10.29 30. by what means, and to what end and purpose it shall be effected; and when it is brought to pass, either is the proper and chief agent in the doing of it; or suffereth it to be done by others, according to the determinate c Act. 4.28 job 30.27 counsel of his own will. O righteous Father, the hour is come which thou didst foresee, and foreordain from everlasting should come; that appointed time of thine is come, wherein, as before thou hast decreed, so now I see, it is thy will and pleasure, that thy Servant should be exercised and tried with divers temptations, and manifold afflictions. Thy d Psal. 32.4 hand, Lord, is upon me, thou hast cast me down, and humbled me; thou hast suffered me to be laden and oppressed with many sorrows and miseries. O give me grace ever to look up unto thee, to see and acknowledge thy divine providence in all things which befall me, and wholly to subject and submit myself unto thy heavenly will and pleasure, e 1 Sam. 3.18. with a patiented and cheerful mind, resting and staying myself upon this, that thou dost all things most righteously, and with great wisdom; yea, that thou (who seest and disposest of all things that come to pass in the world) knowest that this present estate (how f Hebr. 12.11. grievous soever unto the flesh) is most behoveful & most profitable for me, and that the afflictions which are laid upon me, are and shall be for my greatest good g Rom. 8.28. , even the weakening of the power and strength of sin, and for the increase of the h 2 Cor. 4 16. graces of thy Spirit in me. Behold Lord, I am in thy hands, deal with me in mercy & goodness as it pleaseth thee i 2 Sam. 15.26. . I yield myself wholly unto thee, to bow and bend my crooked will, and to rectify and make it conformable unto thy holy and blessed will in all things, Correct and chastise me in thy fatherly love and compassion, and in such a tender care over me, as I may see that thou seekest to do me good, and that I may find those things redressed that are amiss in me, and give up myself with all humble submission to walk dutifully and obediently before thee all my days, doing that which thou commandest, and following the rule and direction, which thou prescribest unto me out of thy heavenly Word. II. From comparison of the present afflictions with the glory to come. ALL the miseries whereunto the godly are subject in this life (although they be a Psal. 35.19. Act. 14.22 many and grievous) are nothing in comparison of that glory which is reserved for them in the life to come; not so much, as a drop of water is to the main Ocean: For these, are b 2 Cor. 4.17.18. finite and temporal; that, infinite and eternal. How then should not any, at the Lords appointment, endure all these things patiently and cheerfully in the certain hope and assured expectation of that excellent and c Gen. 15.1. 2 Cor. 4.17 exceeding great reward, that unspeakable felicity and happiness, which after a while they shall be made partaker of for ever? How should they not rest well content, though their cup were far more bitter than it is, yea, though they were to drink nothing but gall and vinegar all their lives, and to be fed with wormwood, even the greatest and most bitter afflictions that could possibly befall a man in this life? How should they not most willingly and joyfully undergo the Cross, and bear the burden that is laid upon them; yea, though it were twice as heavy as it is, and did much more press them then it doth? seeing they are shortly not only to be eased of it, but also in stead thereof to be crowned with such glory, as the heart of man is not able to conceive of; and the sight, yea, the glimpse whereof, if it were now presented unto his view, would wholly ravish, and overcome him with the admiration of it d Exod. 33 20. . None know fully what it is, but only the Saints that are already glorified, even the Citizens of that heavenly kingdom who have the fruition of it, and wait and expect continually for the coming of those, unto whom it is promised; that so being e Heb. 11.40 consummate & the number of them fully accomplished, they may rejoice together in most glorious manner for evermore. O blessed Lord, thou seest what a heavy yoke is now upon me; unto how many miseries and grievances both of body and mind I am continually subject by reason of my sins f Psal. 38. . I am in a strange land, g Exo. 2.22 Hebr. 11.13.14 where I have many enemies always warring against me, and even seeking to oppress me with that bondage and servitude which they would bring upon me. My days are h Gen. 47.9. few and evil, full of trouble and affliction, full of grief and sorrows; many fears and dangers, many distracting cares & earthly vanities do breed me continual annoyance, and great encumbrance, and would make this life of mine irksome and burdensome unto me, if I had not hope of a better i 1 Cor. 15 19 . O do thou give me patience to wait upon thee, and in expectation of the accomplishment of thy free and gracious promise, to pass on the rest of my appointed time in this vale of misery, cheerfully, comfortably, and contentedly. Grant that I may set my face always towards heaven (the place which thou hast provided for me) and that I may continually lift up mine eyes unto that crown of endless & unspeakable glory, which all the afflictions of this present time, are in no sort to be accounted worthy of k Rom. 8.18. ; and which thou (that art the righteous God, infinite in mercy and truth, and unsearchable in thy love and kindness towards thy elect and chosen ones) wilt in due time, l 2 The. 1 6.7 1 Pet. 5.10 even after that I have suffered here a while on earth, freely vouchsafe to bestow upon me, to the praise of the glory of thy grace, through the merits of thy Son, and my only Saviour, who with thee and thy Spirit, is blessed now and ever, Amen. III. From the benefit that comes thereby, it being Physic to the Soul. WE will take down bitter pills, sour and loathsome potions, for the good of our sick and diseased bodies, and for the procuring of our decayed health. Is not the soul of more worth than the body? Is not the health, and good estate thereof more to be respected, more regarded and sought after, then of the other? Surely, I think there is none so void of sense and reason, but will freely acknowledge it. O merciful LORD, thou seest what a sick and diseased Soul I have; how exceedingly it is distempered, even in all the powers and faculties thereof. O then, let no affliction (though never so bitter in itself, when I first taste of it) seem grievous unto me, since thou sendest it for the health of my Soul, which is so corrupted with sin; yea, let me willingly, cheerfully, and thankfully drink down the bitterest cup which thou shalt offer unto me, knowing that for the present tartness, I shall find much sweetness in the end a Heb. 12.11. ; yea, being assured that it, with all things else, shall work together for my good b Rom. 8.28. , even for the increase of thy grace in me, and for the furtherance of my Salvation hereafter. Another. IF thy Physician cures thee of some dangerous disease, though he use many sharp medicines, and puts thee to much pain for the while, yet thou both thankest and rewardest him. We are all of us by nature sick most dangerously a Isa. 1.6. ; every one of us is diseased with a most grievous malady; the issue whereof will be death b Rom. 6.21.23. , if it be not looked to in time. If the Lord then (the sole and sovereign Physician of our sick and diseased Souls) take the cure of thee upon him, if he apply many sharp and bitter medicines, which although they be grievous & smarting for the present, yet heal thee at length, when as thou art in so desperate an estate that there had been no help, if this remedy had not been used, wilt thou complain, saying, that he deals hardly with thee, and so become impatient and discontented, while thou art under so gracious and merciful a hand? Is this the thankfulness which is due unto the LORD for so great a benefit which he vouchsafeth unto thee? for so great a cure which he intendeth hereby to work upon thee? Is this the recompense? is this the reward that thou givest unto that good Physician, who tendered thy wretched and miserable estate, and sought to heal thee of that grievous disease, which were deadly if he should not cure it? O my God, who seest how I am sore diseased, how many and how dangerous maladies I am continually subject unto, have mercy upon me, work thine own work upon me. Lo b 2 Sam. 15.26 here I am: Cut me, lance me, give me the bitter potions of many troubles and afflictions, and let me drink daily of them, rather than that I should not be healed and cured, rather than that my disease should prove mortal and deadly. O Lord, correct me, but in mercy, c jere. 10.24 not in wrath and indignation, deal graciously with me as thou art wont to do with thy children whom thou lovest; and whatsoever it shall please thee to do unto me (since I know it is and shall be for my good) let me with patience subject and submit myself wholly therein unto thy gracious and fatherly care and providence; yea, seeing that I cannot make any other recompense unto thee for this mercy and goodness of thine towards me, grant that I may now and always, return unto thee true praise and thankfulness, with faithful and constant obedience, which are the things thou only requirest, and which I unfeignedly desire to perform unto thee: Lord, help me in my weakness, and strengthen me with thy grace, whereby I may be enabled for the performance of them: for even this is thy gift also (who art the author and giver of every good thing) all is from thee, to thee be glory for evermore. Amen. A further enlargement of the benefit thereof. THE benefit which Winter brings, is not perceived till it be past and over, and the Spring approaching and drawing on; but then, when we see the herbs, flowers, fruits and trees begin to revive and to recover their decayed life, to wax green, and to flourish in most pleasant and delightful manner; then we can easily say (as the truth is) that without Winter, this had never been thus; that if there had not been such hard weather, such cold and nipping frosts we should not have had such a goodly spring, nor that hope of a plentiful harvest which now the earth promiseth, and we with joy expect. All see this in natural things; few see or acknowledge it in those things which are spiritual; and yet thus it is in them; yea, much more in them then in these. Whiles affliction & adversity, like a cold winter pincheth men, they complain much of the hardness and extremity thereof, and would gladly be altogether freed of them forthwith; thinking that because they are for the present grievous, therefore they are no ways profitable, but only hurtful unto them: but afterwards, when they are over, and the rigour and sharpness thereof changed into a temperate and warmer spring (if they be such as God loveth, and as endeavour to make the best use of his dealings with them) than they find that they have gained much, and received no small benefit by them; even that they have caused the sweet a Heb. 12.11 and quiet fruits of righteousness, of peace and true joy to bud, and to sprout forth in them, more than ever otherwise they would have done, & to give them good hope that they shall have a joyful and a more plentiful harvest; so that they cannot but in the comfortable experience of the truth thereof, say with that holy b Psal. 119 71 servant of God (whom the Lord exercised much with his chastisements, c Heb. 12.6 because he loved him much) that it is good for them that they were afflicted. O Lord, give me grace to endure thy fatherly corrections patiently and willingly: yea, to bless thee, and to be truly thankful unto thee for them, seeing thou bringest them upon me in love, for my good; even that being pinched with the extremity thereof for a while, I might thereby be the better rooted in grace and godliness, and having received increase of spiritual sap and moisture, bring forth ever after, more abundantly, the blessed fruit of faith, of hope, and true holiness, to the glory of thy name, and to the peace and unspeakable joy of mine own soul and conscience. Another, to the same effect. SEe the Husbandman, how great pains he taketh in tilling, in sowing, and in manuring his ground, and how long he d jam. 5.7. waiteth, expecting the former and the later rain, hoping (howsoever for the present he seethe no fruit of his labour) yet that at length, even in the due time, and season he shall be recompensed with a large crop, and with a plentiful harvest. Thus it is with us that are the children of God. This life is our seed-time, our harvest in the life to come. What though now for a while (how little a while e Heb. 10.37 ) we sow in tears, yet are we not to faint, but to trust in those gracious promises which the Lord hath made to us, and to rest in hope with patience, f Pro. 14.26 being assured that hereafter we shall reap in joy g Psal. 126 5 , even the fruits of righteousness and holiness, to our endless glory and happiness. O merciful Lord, do thou teach me patiently to wait h Psal. 37.1 for the accomplishment of those rich and sweet promises which thou hast made unto me, and with full confidence to depend upon thee, always, in all things. I have heard once and twice, yea oftentimes, of the patience of thy Saints i 2 Cor. 6.7 james 5.10.11 Heb. 11.36 37 in their miseries and distress, and what end and issue thou gavest unto them, how exceeding gracious thou showedst thyself unto them, after thou hadst for a while tried and afflicted them, and found them faithful and constant. Lord, let their example be always before mine eyes, that so following their steps in faith, in patience and long sufferance in all those afflictions wherewith it shall seem good to thee (who knowest what is best for me) to try and exercise me for a season, I may be blessed k job. 5.17 , and receive with them the l Pro. 16.10 Lamen. 3.25.26. jam. 1.12. Hebr. 11.38.39. promise, wherein I know thou wilt not fail me, nor any of thine, that withdraw not themselves from thee. FOUR From the goodness of God in deliring his children out of them. INto what depths of misery a Psal. 69.1.2. & 34.4.19 hast thou brought me, O Lord, and drawn me out of them again, in thy due time, even in my greatest fears? Thou hast showed thyself exceeding gracious unto me, causing the light b Psal. 112.4. & 97.11 job. 33.28 Psal. 94.19 of thy countenance to shine upon me, and to refresh me; even when I trembled to see that fearful darkness which was ready to overwhelm me, did thy light, thy grace, and thy favour break forth, and enlighten me above that I could either expect, or desire. Thou hast suffered me to fall into many and deep * Ps. 88.15 16 2 Cor. 1.8.9. waters, wherein I feared that I should sink, and rise no more, but thou hast caused me to swim out of them again * 2 Cor. 7.6 ; thy hand hath drawn me out of those deep and raging waters which did even run over my soul; thou hast delivered me, and given me a joyful issue out of all my temptations, even those whereby that cruel enemy and malicious adversary thought to have prevailed most against me, and to have drowned me in eternal perdition. O let my Soul never cease to sing praises unto thee, who art my Saviour and deliverer: Let me ever give that glory unto thy name, O my God, which is due unto thee; and let me continually, in all my necessities, in all my distresses, trials, and temptations, depend wholly and only upon thee, who art my Redeemer, in whom I trust, and from whom alone cometh salvation. Thou hast delivered my soul from a great death, thou hast broken the net wherein I was taken, so that I escaped in my greatest danger; thou dost deliver c Psal. 34.19. me every hour, every moment; in thee I trust, that thou wilt d 2 Cor. 1 10. job 5.19. hereafter deliver me: yea, this I know, that thou wilt suffer no evil to come unto me e Psal. 91.10.15.16. , but wilt free me therefrom, yea, save me, and bring me to glory and happiness. V From the end and issue of them, in that they are the way to Heaven. THe children of Israel could not come to Canaan, that promised Land, which flowed with Milk and Honey, but they must first pass thorough a desolate a Exod. 16 & 17.1.3. Num. 14.1.2. & 21.6. and a dangerous wilderness, where they were exercised with many trials and afflictions, being sometimes in peril of death by those flying and fiery Serpents; sometimes in fear, and hazard of their lives, and ready to have perished with thirst, & otherwise. And in like manner, it is with all the children of God, his chosen Israel. They deceive b Act. 14.22. Rom. 8.17 themselves, if they look to come unto that celestial and heavenly Canaan, and to receive the inheritance which the Lord hath promised them in so good and pleasant a Land, before they have passed thorough the troublesome wilderness of this evil world; where they shall be c 2 Tim. 3.12. exercised with many trials & sundry kind of afflictions. Lord, sith this is the way to happiness, since by many troubles and afflictions we are to enter into thy kingdom; let it not seem d 1 Pet. 4.12. strange unto me, though I be oft and diversly thus exercised: let me not faint e Prou. 24.10 though I be stung with those fiery Serpents, Sin and Satan, or any other adversary enmity; but let me ever lift up mine eyes, and look up unto thee my Saviour, that so I may be healed and comforted: yea, O Lord, set me patiently, cheerfully, and thankfully suffer all those things which it hath pleased thee to appoint unto me in this world for the humbling and exercising of me, knowing that hereafter I shall receive from thee, that exceeding great reward, that most excellent and eternal weight of glory, in comparison of which all these light and momentary afflictions, are to be esteemed as nothing, and no ways worthy of it. Afflictions, from whence they come. THE LORD many times striketh, when men feel indeed the rod a Mica. 6.9. , and complain much of the smart of it; yea, grow impatient, but never see nor acknowledge the hand of a job 5.6. Psa. 32.4. Mica. 6.9. God that smiteth them for sin; either in justice, if they be his enemies, to scourge and punish them b Mica. 6.13 (those light and temporary punishments being the beginnings and forerunners of such as are far more grievous and eternal,) or else in Mercy, if they be his children; either for their c 1 Pet. 4.12 trial, or for d Psal. 119.67.71. Hebr. 12.10 job 33.17.29.30. amendment, or both. O merciful Father, though my sins (so many and grievous) deserve that thou shouldest deal with me in justice and judgement, yet I know and am persuaded (such is thy goodness towards me) that even of Love and Mercy thou dost correct and chastise me, even because thou hast a favour unto me; and wilt cause all these light afflictions wherewith thou exercisest me, to work together for the best, even for the increase of thy grace in me in this life, and of my e Rom. 8.17 glory with thee, in thy kingdom after this life. O therefore, let me in all thy chastisements, in all my afflictions, see and acknowledge thy hand that striketh me, that so I may be obedient, patiented f Amos 5.13. , and unfeignedly thankful. Afflicting of the mind with needless distraction for things to come, unknown. MAny trouble themselves in vain, about their future estate and condition in this world, building Castles in the Air, and needlessly distracting their minds, and disquieting themselves, while they forecast such things in their intended purposes and projects, as either shall never come to pass, or at least, not in that manner that they expected and hoped. O Lord, I know that the ways of man are in thy a Prou. 16.1.9. & 19.21. jer. 10.23. hand; they may purpose and determine, but it is thou that rulest, orderest, and disposest of all things as it seemeth best unto thy heavenly wisdom. O let me ever b Psal. 37.5. Prou. 16.3 commit my works and my ways unto thee, resting wholly upon thee for the end and issues thereof: and then I know I shall be directed aright; I know that thou wilt bring that to pass which shall be most for thy glory, and my good. The life of the wicked full of sorrows and distractions. THose that do swim, and even bathe themselves continually in their sinful pleasures and carnal delights; have many sorrows a Psa. 32.10 Isay 57.20 21 Eccles. 2.23 with them. Much gall and sourness is mingled with their sweetest and daintiest delicates: much bitterness with their sweetest and most beloved sins, even those wherein they are most delighted, and which they are b job 20.12 13 most loath to forego. Yea, I doubt not, but that it may be truly said, that the ungodly have more inward grief, more anguish and vexation of mind oftentimes in their greatest prosperity and chief delights, than the righteous have in the greatest of their worldly sorrows, in the greatest of their outward miseries, and afflictions. For unto the godly and upright man, even out of darkness, there doth arise light c Psa. 97.11 ; out of sorrow, joy; out of bitterness, sweetness: Sampsons' Riddle d judg. 14.12. may not unfitly be applied unto them: Out of their strongest afflictions there comes much sweetness, much comfort unto them. Even in sorrow their hearts are joyful e 2 Cor. 1.4 & 6.10. Psal. 94.19 , and when they seem to mourn, yea, to have nothing but cause of continual heaviness and mourning, yet then oft-times they are very cheerful, yea, even filled with inward and spiritual rejoicing, such as none know, but they that have tasted of it. But it is far otherwise with the ungodly. Even f Pro. 14.13 Eccles. 2.2. job 20.5. in laughter their heart is sorrowful, and the end of their mirth is heaviness: and whilst they are tickled with the pleasures of sin, and drowned in the vanities of this life, they have many privy and secret nips and stings within them, although they seek to conceal them, and keep them close, as it were a poison, which lies fretting in their bowels. An evil Spirit doth haunt them as it did Saul g 1 Sam. 16 14 , wheresoever they go, so that they are feign to seek for merry company, or delightful Music, or such like means to drive it away (if it were possible.) The Lord doth oft-times strike their minds with sadness, with great anguish, and much heaviness; he sends evil Angels, and casts his darts, even fearful terrors among them h Psal. 79.49 job 27.20 , so that their consciences are sore wounded and pierced through, when as outwardly i job 20.22 23 all seemeth to go well with them; they being unwilling that their grief should be known, which they carry continually about with them, & smother in their breasts, till the venom thereof drinketh up their spirits; yea, little do others think of that bitterness k Pro. 14.10. which they taste in their souls, and of that hellish spirit which doth oft-times so vex and molest them, that they can find no peace, no quietness; yea, nothing but horror, and a dreadful amazement l job 15.20 21. & 18.11. and astonishment within themselves. I appeal to the conscience of wicked and ungodly men themselves, (even those that make it their pastime and recreation to do wickedly, and that commit sin daily with greediness m Ephes. 4.19 and delight) whether they have not experience of this? whether they find not that within them, which many times is such sour sauce unto their sweet meat, that although it be pleasant in their mouth n Prou. 20 17. , yet it is as bitter as gall or Wormwood in their belly, and causeth them to find small comfort in their lives; yea, to become even a burden unto themselves? O● else whence cometh it, (which we have both seen and heard of in the woeful experience of many) that even those who have braved it out most for a while, in mirth and jollity, withholding themselves from nothing which their eyes desired, nor withdrawing their hearts from any worldly joy, and carnal or sensual delight, have not long after (when they could by no means drive away that evil Spirit which so much vexed, disquieted, and tormented them,) burst out into fearful words of extreme despair: yea, and some of them (being weary of their lives, and feeling the Flames of Hell in their souls,) Achitophel o 2 Sam. 17 23 Mat. 27.5. , or judas-like, laid violent hands upon themselves, and in a most unnatural manner, became as it were, their own executioners. O LORD GOD, keep my soul, I beseech thee, from taking any delight in the sinful pleasures of the wicked p job 21.16 : let them not be sweet unto my mouth, nor pleasant unto my taste, lest I feel the bitterness thereof in the end: yea rather, let me loath them, and delight in those things which are pleasing unto thee, my GOD: that so in my greatest sorrows I may have much inward joy, and find comfort, when as outwardly I taste of nothing but misery and affliction. The carnal and wicked man wakened out of his sleep. ALthough many who now lie steeping in the brine of this world, and even soaking in their sins, live for the present, (at least in outward appearance a E 1 cles. 8.11. & 11.9. Luk. 12.19 ) as merry and jocund as any, thinking all is well with them, and so be at rest and quiet within themselves, whiles they are settled upon their dregs; yet when GOD shall once let loose the cord of their consciences, and give them a sight of their sins, and the multitude and heinousness thereof, and setting them all in order b Psa. 50.21 before them, writ sharp and bitter things against them for the same; then they shall quickly find a strange alteration within them c Rom. 7.9 10. . They shall startle as men suddenly awaked out of a dream, having most fearful apprehensions & dreadful objects presented unto their minds, which will make them to shiver and tremble with great perplexity and amazement. Their day shall be turned into night, their light into darkness, their mirth into mourning, their joy into heaviness, their greatest solace into extreme woe and misery. All their sweetest pleasures, wherein they were wont to bathe and refresh themselves, shall become painful and bitter unto them: their chiefest delights irksome, and most unpleasant, so that their soul shall refuse all comfort; yea, they shall be troubled, dismayed, amazed, terrified and affrighted exceedingly with the view of the huge mass of their vile and abominable sins, which (though now they be hid from their eyes) yet then in most ugly manner shall lie before their faces in open sight: even the sins of their youth, the sins of their age: the sins which they have committed alone in secret, which the eye of none was witness of, and which they have committed either with others, or openly in the presence of others, even all their most grievous and heinous impieties, which ever heretofore have escaped them, and whereby from time to time they have provoked the Majesty of the most high, shamefully defiled and dishonoured themselves, and many ways grieved and displeased others. Then hell and destruction shall show themselves unto their souls, and a dreadful and horrible fear take hold of them; yea, the sound of fear d job. 15.21 shall be continually in their ears, and great astonishment in their hearts, so that they shall be ready to quake at the shaking of every leaf, and to tremble at the hearing of every sudden noise (as that profane and heathen Emperor, who was so terrified with every thunderclap that he sought for corners to hide himself when he heard it coming:) and to fly when none pursueth them, e Pro. 28.1 but only that evil and guilty conscience of theirs, which (being raised up like a fierce and raging Lion, which hath been a long time a sleep, and is now suddenly awakened by the dreadful hand of God's justice) will never leave following and pursuing them, till it hath brought them to their most deserved punishment, even to final desperation in this world, and to eternal perdition in that which is to come, where they shall drink of the cup, job. 5.27. even of the bitter cup of the fierceness of the wrath of the Lord for evermore. O merciful God, let me never lie carelessly and securely in my sins; let me not at any time delight in any of them; let me not bless or soothe myself in the least of them; but let me be always careful to keep myself pure and unspotted of them, that so I may not only avoid those terrors, and that woeful misery which shall surely come upon all the wicked and ungodly, either in the time of their life, or in the hour of their death, or else in the day of judgement, and after for evermore; but also that I may have that peace of a good and quiet conscience, which may always rest and abide with me, and be a comfort and refreshing unto me, both in life and in death, and in the day of thy coming, even that blessed appearance of thy Son, which all thy Saints daily expect and long for. Worldliness, a fearful sign of one destitute of the true love of God. SEest thou any that is very eagerly set upon any worldly thing, pleasure, profit, honour or whatsoever else it be? thou mayest assure thyself that whiles he is so much addicted unto these earthly things, the love of God is very small, or not at all a 1 joh. 2.15 in him. He that loves God unfeignedly, sincerely, and entirely (as he ought) cannot (as long as that love of his abideth in him) be greatly affected unto any other thing, nor have an excessive desire and longing after the fading vanities of this world; for God will wholly possess his soul, and satisfy him abundantly, so that he shall find contentment in him b Psal. 73.25 Psal. 119.57 Lamen. 3.24 , howsoever it far otherways with him. Blessed Lord, kindle in me daily more and more, I humbly beseech thee, a sincere and unfeigned love of thy Majesty, who hast always showed thyself so exceedingly gracious unto me; do thou even inflame this cold and frozen heart of mine, that so loving thee with that truth and earnestness of affection which ought to be in me, and having my desires always towards thee, the love and desire of these vain and earthly things may be daily abated and diminished within me; yea, I may banish far from me all love which is not in thee, and for thee, unto whom only I am to give my heart with all the affections thereof, and that absolutely, wholly, and entirely. The folly of the Worldling. ALL would condemn him for a foolish and unwise man that would not exchange silver for gold, Psal. 107.43 lead and base metal for pearls and precious stones. And yet lo, this is the folly of the most in the world (even such as otherwise are men of wisdom and understanding;) they will by no means forego the earth, and the sinful profits and pleasures of it which are but dross and vanity a Isa. 55.2. , for the enjoying of heaven and happiness itself. How hath Satan bewitched and besotted them? It is marvelous strange to consider that the reasonable soul of man should be so seduced and deluded through the craft and wiliness of Satan, who lieth in wait to deceive and to bring men unto confusion. b 2 Pet. 5.8 Blessed Lord, let the things of this world be vile and base in mine eyes in comparison of the felicity of thy Saints, and the glory of thy kingdom. Keep me now and always from the foolishness of the wretched worldling; and make me wise to see the difference between those most excellent and glorious things, and these which are but fading, and transitory. Worldliness, mere dotage. WE would wonder at him that would dote upon a Strumpet a Pro. 7.7.22 , that sought his life. Such a one is every covetous worldling, or whosoever else is enamoured with the things here below, pleasures, profits, honours. The world, with the sinful and deceitful shows thereof, do secretly fight b 2 Pet. 2.11 against the soul of man, yea, seek the utter ruin both of soul and body; they are the devils nets c 1 Tim. 4 6.9. and snares. And the worldling is strangely besotted with this enchantress; he very fond doteth upon her, and is drawn away with her allurements to his own destruction. And though he be often warned and admonished to take heed of her baits, and to avoid the mischief which she (even while she laughs and smiles upon him) seeks to bring him unto, yet he will not be drawn from her, nor from her adulterous love, but runneth a d Hose. 2.5 jam. 4.4. whoring after her, and is so bewitched with her, that he will not leave her, till she hath wrought his utter overthrow. Merciful LORD, let not this world, nor any thing that is in this world, ever be able to prevail against me, so that I should perish with it. But be thou powerful in me by thy Word and Spirit: draw my heart every day more and more from these fading and perishing things, and cause it to be set wholly upon thee e Prou. 23.26. , to whom of right it belongeth Discover unto me daily more and more the f 1 Tim. 6.17. Eccle. 1.14 deceitfulness and vanity of all things here below. Let me not with those, whose eyes Satan hath blinded with the false shows of this deceivable world, dote upon any earthly thing, but let my love be set upon thee, my joy and delight be only in thee, and those blessed and glorious things which thou hast prepared for me in the heavens; and in comparison of which, all the things of this earth are but mere vanity. A Christian must not live as one of this world. A CHRISTIAN is not a man of this world; he is a sojourner and a stranger here upon earth. So have a Gen. 23.4. & 47.9. 1 Chro. 29 15. Psal. 39.12 & 119.19. 2 Cor. 5.6 Heb. 11.13 Hebr. 12.22.23. Abraham, jacob, David, and other holy men of GOD, acknowledged themselves to be. Heaven is his Country; there is his mansion and dwelling place, where he shall have his abode for ever: there is his God and blessed Saviour, his life and hope: there are his best friends, his nearest kinsfolk, unto whom he is linked with the straightest bonds of perfect love, and amity: there are his chiefest riches and treasures, even that b Eph 1.18. 1 Pet. 1.4. glorious inheritance, that celestial kingdom, which shall have no end, no change. Oh then, why do we not wean our hearts more from this world? why do we not show ourselves stranger's here, by estranging c 1 Pet. 2.11 our affections from these things here below, and lifting them up unto the desire and contemplation of those excellent things, which are above d Col. 3.2. ? why do we not live as Citizens of that heavenly Country? If we be Christians, heirs of glory, why is not our e Phil. 3.20 conversation in heaven, but on earth, as if we were men of this world, to live here for ever, and had no better * Heb. 11.16. things provided for us, than those which the wicked of the world enjoy, and which shall perish with them? Is our Saviour in the Heavens, and do we lie groveling on this Earth like mucke-wormes? Is our portion with the Saints in glory, and do we in a base and servile manner fasten our affections unto this world, which is but our prison, wherein we are detained till the time of our liberty and redemption f Rom. 8.23. come? O blessed Lord, as in the riches of thy unspeakable mercies, thou hast called me out of this world, unto the hope of g 1 Pet. 1.3 glory, giving me some comfortable assurance of the full possession of those glorious mansions h joh. 14.2 provided for me, and all thy Saints, in the highest Heavens, so draw my heart, I beseech thee, daily more and more unto thee. Raise up my soul, and all the affections thereof, from Earth to Heaven. Let me use this world i 1 Cor. 7.31 as if I used it not. Let me carry myself as a stranger, and one that is from his own home, always ready and willing to departed from hence k Phil. 1.23 ; yea, ever in my thoughts aspiring unto that heavenly country l 2 Cor. 5.2. , desiring and longing to be with thee my God and Saviour, and to have the fruition of that glory and happiness which thou reservest for me, and which I am no ways worthy of; but that it hath pleased thee graciously to respect me in the merits and worthiness of thy Son, in whom, and through whom, thou hast done great things for me, and to whom with thee, and thy good Spirit, be all praise and glory, now and for ever. Amen. Another. IT ought to be the continual and earnest desire of every true Christian, that his heart may daily be more and more alienated and withdrawn from the things of this world a Psal. 73.25. 1 Cor. 7.31 , which are but shadows and mere vanities; and more nearly united unto God, in whom alone that true comfort and happiness is to be found, which is not elsewhere to be obtained. O LORD, increase this desire in me; and be gracious in giving me to see the desire of my heart therein fulfilled and accomplished unto me, and in me. O draw me from the inordinate love of this vain and sinful world, wherewith many are so much ensnared; let me find my affections every day more estranged and separated from the same; and grant that I may be wholly united unto thee, my GOD, delighting continually in thy presence, and receiving from thee, that plentiful increase of the heavenly graces of thy blessed Spirit, whereby I may be fitted and enabled in some sort to walk worthy of thee, to whom I desire wholly to devote myself, and whatsoever is in me. How to overcome the World. HE that would overcome this World, must first overcome himself, bringing his sensual appetite and desire in subjection unto his reason, and his reason unto the will and word of God: If he can do this once, the victory and conquest will be easy; otherwise impossible. Herein lies the valour and fortitude of a Christian. O most mighty Lord GOD, the GOD of my strength, without whom I can do nothing, in whom, and through whom all things; strengthen me with thy grace and effectual power, that I may be able to subdue the corruption of my sinful and rebellious nature, whensoever it riseth up against me, that I may lay the axe close unto the root, and cut down and pluck up every secret sin that hath gotten any place in me, that so I may mortify every inordinate affection of my heart, which might be any hindrance to the work of thy grace in me; that thus having power over myself, and that inbred enemy which lieth secretly lurking in my bosom, and in the inmost parts of my soul, I may with less difficulty vanquish and overcome this present evil world, and all those outward enmities which at any time shall oppose themselves against me, and the powerful operation of thy holy & blessed spirit within me, which I humbly and earnestly desire thee, that it may be renewed daily more and more, and brought unto further perfection. Ruling the affections, how necessary. THE affections of man's heart, are endless and unsatiable; they can never be satisfied a Eccl. 1.8. ; yea, the more that they are yielded unto, the more doth the inordinateness and distemper thereof increase. What a vanity therefore is it for any one to give liberty unto his roving and disordered mind, and by seeking to quench that thirst, to make it the more vehement, as it is with those that are fallen into the dropsy. LORD, give me wisdom, whereby I may learn rightly to moderate all my affections, and not to follow the sway of them, nor to suffer myself at any time to be carried or drawn away, whether the inordinate motion and desire of them shall lead me; but so to restrain and rule them, that I may live a quiet and contented life, free from those manifold distractions b Pro. 25.28. unto which they are continually subject, who have not learned to keep themselves within those limits which thou hast prescribed and appointed to them. Affections must be made Servants, and not Masters. AS the Schoolmaster is to his Scholar, or a Master unto his Servant, so ought reason to be unto the affections of every one. It must always bear rule over them, and have them at command, or else they will quickly be disordered, and quite out of frame; yea, they will carry away a man headlong with violence into much mischief and misery, as we see wild and fierce horses oft times run away with an unguided Coach or Wagon, to the overthrow of them that are carried in it. O LORD, thou seest unto how many unruly passions and distempered affections I am continually subject, which make me oftentimes less fit for the performance of good duties and holy exercises then otherwise, through thy grace, I should be. Let it please thee to give me the mastery and power over them: yea, grant that I may always subject them to the rule of right reason, and to the direction which thy Word giveth, that so being well ordered and disposed, they may not be (as they have been) let's and hindrances, but (as they should be) serviceable and convenient helps, and furtherances, unto virtue, piety, and godliness, even to all Christian duties which thou requirest of me. How dangerous it is to be given unto the World. HE cannot be a good Servant, that is addicted to his pleasures and delights, or that is given to follow his own business overmuch, and doth not principally intend his Master's affairs. He can never be a good Disciple of Christ, nor a faithful Servant of God, whose mind is set upon earthly things a Mat. 6.24 ; who is carried away with the pleasures and delights of sin, or much addicted to the profits and commodities of this vain and transitory world, or otherwise wedded unto his own roving and unstaid affections, and doth not wholly consecrate b Rom. 12.1. and dedicate himself unto the Lord, and to his worship and service, with restraint from all those things, which might be any hindrance or encumbrance unto him in the same. O my God, how unworthy am I to be called thy Servant? to call thee my Lord? how unable am I to perform that duty and service which thou requirest of me? O be thou merciful unto me, notwithstanding my unworthiness; pardon my great unprofitableness heretofore: Enable me daily more and more for the discharge of the duties of thy service, which thou hast commanded, and whereunto thou hast called me. Let neither the sinful pleasures, nor the deceivable profits & fruitless commodities of this fading c 1 Cor. 7.31 1 joh. 2.17 and decaying world, cause me at any time to be slack, slothful, or any ways unfaithful in thy business, in my calling; but give me grace ever to renounce these things, even whatsoever may at any time, in any sort, withdraw me from my duty, or be any hindrance unto me in the ready, willing, and cheerful performance of that service which I own unto thy Majesty; yea, let me always deny d Luke 9.23. Mat. 10.37. Luke 14.26 myself, and even hate ᵉ my dearest friends, and nearest acquaintance, (if the matter standeth so between thee and them) yea, even my life itself, rather than be found willingly defective in my duty, or unfaithful in thy service, who hast every way been so good and gracious unto me, and freely promised to reward me so ᶠ liberally, Psal. 19.11. 1 Cor. 15.58. Rom. 2.7. joh. 12.26. so plentifully, even with the riches of glory, honour, immortality, and everlasting life and happiness in thy kingdom; yet not for the worthiness of my works, but for the merits of my Saviour, for whose sake thou crownest what good thing soever it pleaseth thee g Heb. 13.21 to work in me. To him, together with thee, and thy blessed Spirit, be all praise and glory, now and for ever. This world a Prison. THis World is the godly man's Prison: he is continually laden with the chains a Heb. 12.1 of sin and misery, which lie heavy upon his soul, and cause him like a distressed captive b Rom. 7.23. , to sit mourning c Psal. 120.5. Rom. 7.24 all the day long, and with great earnestness and vehemency to call and cry d Rom. 8.21 2 Cor. 5.2.4.8. for relief. Yea, he is, as it were, in a dark dungeon e 2 Cor. 5.7 Col. 3.3.4 , so that he cannot see the joyful light of that glorious Kingdom, nor enjoy so fully the desired presence of his Creator, and his blessed Saviour f john 12.26. and Redeemer, after whom his soul longeth g Can. 1.14 Phil. 3.23. . Lord, when it pleaseth thee, ease me of these bonds, deliver me out of this Prison, and set me at liberty among thy Saints in glory, that I may behold the brightness of thy face, and enjoy that promised salvation, the very hope and expectation whereof, is the stay and comfort of my life in this bondage of sin and misery, unto which I am daily subject, Come Lord h Revel. 22 17 jesus: come quickly. Amen. Christians in this world are unknown men. THe life of the Children of God whiles they live in this world, is hid a Col. 3.3. with Christ in God: They are not known b 1 john 3. to the world, being masked, and shrouded under the veil of c Rom. 8.3. weak & sinful flesh. Their natural life and outward estate is not different from others. All things come alike to all d Eccles. 9 . Their Persons are exposed to contempt, disgrace e job 30.8.9.10. , reproach, and many injuries, which the proud and disdainful world (who are not worthy of them f 1 Cor. 4.9.10.11. Heb. 11.38 ,) do continually most unjustly offer unto them, delighting even to sport themselves of them. Their bodies are subject to much misery g 2 Cor. 4.7.8.9 10. and 11.6. , to ignominy and baseness, and for the most part to more sicknesses, weaknesses, and infirmities than others, and in the end to death h Gen. 3.19 Heb. 9.27. as well as others. They die like other men, and are covered with the same mould, taking up their lodgings with the rest of the sons of Adam in the dust, and in the chambers of darkness i job 10.21.22. & 17.13.14. , having Corruption for their Father, and the Worm for their Mother and Sister. The spiritual life also of their Souls (wherein all their glory k Psal. 45.13 in this life consisteth, the redemption of their bodies l Rom. 8.23. Phil. 3.21. being wholly reserved for the estate after this life, even the day of the general and glorious resurrection,) as it is not discerned of the world, so many times of themselves neither, but very dimmely; and when it is in best estate it is but weak m 2 Cor. 12 9 Psal. 119.4 , and needs the quickening grace of God's Spirit, for the increasing and confirming of it. Blessed Lord, hasten that glorious appearance of thine, that so, this veil being removed, I may be fully restored unto that promised light and liberty, which my soul longeth after; and live in thy sight for ever, receiving from thee continually that accomplishment of grace and glory, which thou hast reserved for me in thy Kingdom. Sabbath day; the religious observation of it how necessary. IT is not the Law of Man, but the unchangeable decree and ordinance of GOD himself, the chief Lawgiver, that the Sabbath-day, (which in the Apostles days * Acts 20.4.5.6.7. 1 Cor. 16.1.2. , and of the Apostles themselves a Olim certè priscis illis hominibus, in summo precio Sabbathum fuit, quam quidem solennitatem Dominus in Diem Dominicum transtulit. Athan. Hom. de Sement. Sabbathum est signum ut sciatur dies Creationis. Idem in Mat. 11. Aug. Epist. ad januar. 119. cap. 13. Idem, lib. 22. de Civitate Dei. cap. 30. Chrisost. in Genes. 2. Homil. 18. Hieron. contra Pelag. lib. 3. Beza in Apocalyps. 1.10.— Spiritu sancto procul dubio, illud Apostolis dictant, pro prioris seculi Sabbatho sive die septimo, assumptus suit dies huius mundi primus, in quo etc. Vide Fulke Rhem. Test. in eund. loc. Sect. 6. & jun. praelect. in Gen. 2.3. & P. Mart. in Gen. 2. Bulling. in Rom. 4.5. Zanch. de operibus Dei. lib. 1. cap. 1. , (no doubt) by authority from CHRIST, and by the direction of his Spirit b john 14.26. Acts 1.3. 1 Cor. 11.23. , guiding them therein as in all other truth, was changed, and called the Lordsday,) should be religiously observed of all, even to the coming of Christ. He gives us a special watchword of remembrance, to stir up all to the greater care and diligence hereof: c Exod. 8.20 Remember the Sabbath-day to keep it holy, as if in no wise he would have this forgotten at any time, or slightly regarded, as it is of the most. This alone hath a Preface prefixed, and both the affirmative and negative part expressed (the like to be found in no other Commandment,) as if foreseeing what liberty men would take unto themselves herein, he would of purpose set bounds on every side, to fence, and to keep us continually within compass of this Law. He doth not only command us, but also persuade, and yields a reason; yea, many and forcible reasons and motives, whereby as with so many cords we might be drawn unto this duty: from his own example and practice, from his hallowing of it to a holy use, from the equity of the observation of it, since that he hath given us the other six days to ourselves, and taken this one only to himself, as his own due, which by no means he would have withheld from him. They therefore, that make little or no conscience of the due and diligent observation of this day, by absenting themselves from the public assemblies, or by neglecting private duties, prayer, reading, conference, meditation, examination of things heard in the public ministery d Acts 17.11 ; much more they that openly profane it, by spending it either idly or wickedly, in excessive drinking, gaming, or other unlawful courses; whatsoever outwardly they profess in word, yet assuredly they are such as have forgotten the Lord; they refuse to follow him: they transgress his law, and violate his holy ordinance which he hath appointed for their own welfare, if they could see it. They remove the ancient bounds, within which he hath enclosed them, which who so doth, shall be accursed e Deut. 27.17 , (yea though they were but the bounds and limits which men had established.) They cast away his yoke (a note of the sons of Belial f Deut. 13.13 .) They sin grievously, & very dangerously. They are enemies to their own good, friends to Satan; yea, they are fallen into the very snare of the Devil, who both in the infancy and prime-age of the Church, and ever since (when he could not root out the whole Christian faith, which spread itself into so many nations) laboured mightily the subversion and overthrow of this main prop and pillar thereof, by raising up men of heretical minds, who some, through the pretended colour of Christian liberty; others by the aspersion and false imputation of jewish superstition and bondage, and I know not what, have by this means gone about to open a wide door to Atheism, licentiousness, profaneness, and so by little and little, in an insensible manner, to overturn all Religion and Piety. * Tantum abest quin decorum & ordo nisi ista politia & moderatione observari possit, ut praesentissima impendeat Ecclesiae perturbatio & ruina si dissoluatur: j In brief. The neglect of the Sabbath day is the ruin of the Church. Caluin. Instit. lib. 2. cap. 8. sect. 32. A notable polity of that wily serpent. And a marvelous either blindness, or presumption in them who are so bewitched by him. For what God hath hallowed, how should man once dare to profane, or to accounted common & unhallowed? But those whom God (who is the light of our eyes) hath caused the light of his saving grace to shine more clearly unto are otherwise minded, otherwise affected. They acknowledge it not only a just & equal thing, that the Lord should have one day of many dedicated & wholly devoted to his service (a shame it were that any should deal sparingly with him herein who hath been so prodigal to them) but also they accounted it a great argument and evidence of God's special care over them, and singular goodness towards them, who in this estate of their frailty and weakness hath in mercy appointed so excellent a help and so necessary a means for them to gather spiritual strength and increase of grace, whereby to stand out against Satan their deadly foe, and to walk on cheerfully, comfortably, and constantly, through the wilderness of this troublesome world, to that promised rest, that heavenly Canaan; yea, they rejoice greatly in it g Isai. 58.13 , find much sweetness and delight in it, long for it before it comes, and when it is come, solace themselves in it exceedingly. And no marvel: for they see and find that it is the market-day of their souls, wherein according to God's appointment, they gather that heavenly Manna, that bread of life, whereby they are nourished and strengthened all the week after, and increase daily in that spiritual life of grace and godliness, till they come unto that measure which GOD hath allotted unto them. They see, how hereby they recover themselves from sins past, arm themselves against sin to come, grow in knowledge, increase in faith, hope, patience, and all other Christian virtues, have the inward man repaired; and in a word, whereas on other days their minds are troubled and distracted with worldly business, this day they have liberty to recall themselves as it were, to draw near unto the Lord, and sweetly to repose themselves in him, who is their peace, rest, and happiness; and therefore they joy & rejoice herein. Again, their Sabbath-day here on earth, as it doth express, * Ambros. in Psa. 119. calleth aeternam vitam magnum Sabbathum. & August. lib. 22. the civit. Dei. ca 30. Sabbathum maximum: where he saith it prefigureth the rest of the body and soul. so it doth put them in mind of that eternal Sabbath which they shall celebrate for ever in the heavens, that peace, that joy, and that perfect rest and happiness which they shall shortly be made partakers of for ever in those glorious mansions, those celestial habitations. It is, as it were a map, or an Emblem to them of that Angelical life which their souls longeth after, and the very remembrance whereof doth wonderfully refresh their grieved minds, and languishing spirits while they wander in this wearisome wilderness, where they have so many enemies continually assailing them, so many difficulties with which they are continually encumbered. The sanctifying of this day, doth bring them, as it were, from Egypt to Canaan, and from Babel unto Zion. i Heb. 11.10.16 It calls them home to their own country, gives them a view of it (though a far off) and affords them a taste of that spiritual and heavenly life which afterwards they shall live for ever in glorious manner. How therefore can it be, but that they should rejoice in it, and in no wise think it burdensome unto them, as carnal and worldly men do. O my God, forgive me that I have had no more care of this duty heretofore, and teach me to be more mindful of it hereafter. As thou hast appointed this day to be wholly bestowed upon thee and thy service, so I humbly pray thee, to guide me therein with thy grace and spirit, that it may be my delight to consecrate it as * Isa 58.13. glorious unto thee. O let me not by any means pollute it, by doing mine own ways, nor seeking mine own will, no not so much as speaking a vain word; but let me give myself therein wholly to the duties k Act. 16.13 Psal. 122. Nehe. 8.8 Act. 17.11 Psal. 92.1. & 145.5. Mal. 3.16. 1 Cor. 16.1.2 which thou requirest of me, both public and private, as hearing thy word preached with all reverence and careful attention, reading the same, prayer, meditation, and godly conference, & whatsoever else, whereby I may be furthered, or a means to further or help forward others in the ways of grace and godliness; that thus being obedient unto thy commandment, unto which I am tied by so many bonds, thy blessing may be upon me, thy spirit may dwell with me, I may daily more and more be built up in saving knowledge and true holiness, I may grow strong in thy fear, finding the powers of sin and Satan every day more and more weakened in me: and after that I have at thy appointed times, endeavoured to keep a holy, and religious Sabbath here on earth, I may hereafter keep an eternal Sabbath with thee in the heavens, praising and magnifying thee uncessantly, and enjoying that perfect rest and happiness which thou hast promised, and I daily expect and hope for, & that only through the merits of thy dear Son my blessed Saviour, to whom with thee, & thy spirit be all praise now & for ever. Profaneness, how fearful the end of it will be. THe Figtree a Math. 21 19 was accursed because it had leaves only, but brought forth no fruit; how much more they then that have cast away the leaves also, having not so much as the show and outward profession of religion and godliness? It's a heavy and dreadful sentence which is to be pronounced against the unprofitable servant, that hath not improved the Lords talon which he gave unto him, and made the best use of it for his master's advantage, so as might be most for his glory, and the good and benefit of others, amongst whom he lived b Math. 25 30 , Cast that unprofitable servant into utter darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. O then what shall become of those, that are not only fruitless and unprofitable in their course, but profane and openly evil, so as the world doth point at them, and cri● shame upon them, though they are so hardened (many of them) that they never blush for it, c jer. 5.3. & 6.15 nor will be ashamed, but d Hose. 7.10 glory in it; that do not only omit that which is good, setting themselves in no good way, but also give themselves wholly to the practice of wickedness d Isai. 3.8.9 Phil. 3.19. Hose. 4.1.2 Psal. 55.9.10.11 and ungodliness, lying, ᵉ swearing, drunkenness, uncleanness, contempt of the word, and blessed ordinances of the Lord, profanation of the Sabbath; and many execrable impieties; making even a trade of these jewde and wretched courses, sporting f Pro. 10.23 themselves therein, and hating g Psal. 50 17. them that go about to reclaim them from them. What shall become of them? My heart trembleth to think of the fearful doom which shall pass against them in that great and terrible day of the LORD, when he shall come in flaming fire h 2 Thes. 1.8 , to give judgement i jud. 14.15 against them, and to render vengeance unto them, as they have deserved. My heart trembleth to think how woeful their estate and condition shall then be; and me thinks, they should be amazed and astonished when they hear of it, or enter into consideration of it. For if the unprofitable servant shall be cast into utter darkness, then doubtless they that have not been only unprofitable, and barren of the works of piety and charity, but also openly malicious, (full of wickedness, i Rom. 1.29.30 envy, deceit, backebiting, railers, haters of GOD, doers of wrong, proud, inventors of evil things, and practisers of all kind of mischief in a profane manner) they shall be cast into the outmost part of that utter darkness, into the very depth thereof; they shall have the lowest part in hell, the deep dungeon of God's wrath. Their punishment shallbe most fearful and dreadful, and their end most wretched and miserable. As it was said of judas k Mat. 26.24 , so it may be likewise of them. l Isai. 3.9.11. & 5. It had been good for such, that they had never been borne: Woe be unto their souls, or they bring evil upon themselves. Woe be unto them, for they shall eat the fruit of their ways, and of their works, wherein now they rejoice themselves. Let them know assuredly, that it shall be gall and bitterness to m jer. 2.19 them in the end. Their sin is n jer. 2.22. marked out before the LORD, and their vengeance sleepeth not; when their wickedness is come to the full growth, and ripeness, as the Ammorites was o Gen. 15.16 , than the Lord in his justice, will put to his sharp sickle, and cut them down with a dreadful judgement, and cast them into the Winepress of the fierceness of his wrath; yea, into the very bottom of that bottomless pit of endless perdition and confusion, where they shall be tormented in fiery flames for evermore, without all hope of recovery. This shall be their lot and portion, * job. 5.27 if they continue in that estate, into which they have made so fearful an entrance. Hear it, p Psal. 50.22 Mat. 4.7. Heb. 3.8 all ye that forget GOD; tremble at it, and seek in time to escape the vengeance to come. q Mat. 24.50 1 Thes. 5.3 Harden not your hearts, neither presume to go on yet further, lest it be too late for you to return, and to avoid this woeful misery, which will seize upon you sooner than you are aware of. O merciful Lord, keep me, and all thine from the wickedness of the wicked. Let us never delight to walk in the way that pleaseth them, seeing the end and issue thereof is so fearful, r Pro. 14.12 how soever it seem unto them; yea, let us be afraid once to set one foot in it, and always most carefully avoid the occasions which might draw us unto it. Let not there be one profane person s Heb. 12.16 amongst us that have taken the profession of thy glorious truth upon us; But teach us now and ever to abound in the fruits of righteousness and holiness, that so we may not be found unprofitable, but increase daily more and more, seeking to please thee; that so when that day of our accounts shall come, while the wicked shall stand trembling at the Bar, we may lift up our heads with confidence, and hear that joyful sentence from thee t Mat. 25.23 . It is well done good servants and faithful, you have been faithful in a little, your glory shall be unspeakable. Enter into your master's joy; inherit the kingdom prepared for you before the foundation of the world; unto which bring us in thy good time, O merciful LORD, not for any merits or worthiness of ours, but only for thy sons sake, our blessed Saviour and Redeemer, to whom with thee and thy Spirit, be all praise and glory now and for ever. The security of the wicked. THou seest how it is with people that lie sleeping in a Boat, whiles they are carried down the stream; they make way apace, and come to their appointed place before they are aware thereof. So it is with the wicked and ungodly, they lie sleeping in carnal security, whiles Satan wherries them down amain, till he brings them (scarce thinking of any such matter) to the bottomless gulf of endless perdition and confusion. Every hour, every minute, they are hastening forward to their destruction in an unsensible manner; and at length they fall suddenly into the depth of it, without all recovery; and being awakened out of that dead sleep into which they were cast, begin to wonder at their former carelessness; yea, cry out, and send forth many fearful shriek and grievous a Luke 16.24. clamours, being as men amazed and even at their wit's end, to see the woe and misery, which they have brought upon themselves, and from which they can never be freed, never released, though they had a thousand world's to give for a ransom. Lord suffer me not to sleep as others do b 1 Thes. 5.6. , lest I perish with them. A soft and tender heart. A Soft and tender heart, as it is the gift a Ezek. 11.19. & 36.26. of God, so it is a singular blessing, and such as the Lord bestoweth upon those whom he loveth best, and to whom he hath a special favour, and purpose to do them most good, both here and hereafter. Oh it is his delight to b Isa. 57.15 Psa. 51.17 Isa. 66.1.2. dwell with them, and in them, by the abundance of his graces, and by the presence of his holy and blessed Spirit. He will revive them, and give life unto them, and will never departed from them. Their sighs, and sobs, and tears issuing from a heart contrite * Mat. 12.20. and broken for sin, are dear and precious unto him; they are as sweet waters, which he keepeth, as it were, in his glass * Psa. 56.8. , in his own closet. Happy c Mat. 5.4 is the man that findeth this in him: He hath it under the Lord's hand and seal, that he will graciously respect him, and cause his soul to live before him. But alas, how rare a thing is this? How few be there, that find a fleshy and a melting heart and soul within their breasts? whose consciences are bruised with the sight and remorse of their sins, whereby they have displeased him, who hath been so kind, and so gracious a God and Father unto them? that have a sonlike * Heb. 12.28 and a reverent fear of his displeasure, and of his correcting hand; that grieve, sorrow and complain oft and much, for that they can be no more touched for their sins, nor find that cheerfulness d Psa. 119. 4● Heb. 13. 1● and delight in the duties of his service which he requireth; that are very fearful and scrupulous of doing any thing whereby he might be offended, or his laws violated; yea, is it not even a strange and unknown language, as it were, unto the most, ●o talk unto them of a broken and contrite heart? They thank God, they feel all well within them; they have not such sick and queasy stomachs as they see some have, nor would willingly be troubled with their maladies. They feel it indeed & complain much, if sickness, poverty, shame, or any such like outward evils seize upon them, but their hearts never bleed within them, their consciences never strike them with the sight or fear, either of sin, or of the punishment of it e Gal. 3.10 Rom. 8.13. Ephe. 5.5.6 threatened unto them from an angry and wrathful God, before whose face they never learned yet to tremble. Yea, through custom and continuance in sin they have quite lost the sense of sin f Ephes. 4.18.19 , and are become so hardened that they never see, nor sorrow, nor mourn for it, nor for the judgements hanging over them for the same. There is a brawn, and thick skin, as it were, drawn over their hearts, they are altogether seared and obdurate. Nothing can move them, or at least make any deep impression into them, piercing into their hearts, and wounding their souls. They know not what it is to be g Act. 2.37 pricked for sin, or to be pressed and harrowed with the rake of God's just judgements h Psal. 6. & 32.38. , but go on carelessly, securely, and presumptuously in the wicked ways and ungodly courses which they have taken unto themselves, and sing peace unto their souls i Luke 12.19. 1 Thes. 5.3. . A fearful estate, if men could see it; and yet, the most far gone in it. Not one amongst many that complaineth of it. Not one scarce amongst a thousand, that to his own salvation, findeth himself healed & cured of it, having his stony and flinty heart turned into a fleshy heart, into mourning and lamenting spirits, grieving for sin above all things, and longing for the assurance of the pardon of it, and the comfortable presence of God, and the riches of his sanctifying grace; desiring still to be more satisfied and replenished with those pure waters * Ezek. 47. of life and grace, which flow from his sanctuary. O LORD, give me not over at any time, I humbly pray thee, unto that fearful evil k Psa. 81.12 , which thou sufferest in wrath to fall upon the wicked, & those who are reprobates and utterly forsaken of thee. O do thou more and more soften and mollify my heart. Take this stony heart of mine quite from me, and give me a tender and a melting heart, which may bleed at the least blow, with which thou strikest me, with the least prick of thy law when it threateneth me; and cause me to mourn for my sins, especially because they have been so displeasing unto thee, my God, who hast been so kind and so gracious unto me. Let my mind be bruised rather with the taste and feeling of thy mercies, then with the terror of thy judgements; but let me by both, be brought always to walk humbly, and reverently before thee, desirous in all things to please thee, and afraid in any thing willingly to offend thee, and thirsting unfeignedly after a greater measure of thy heavenly graces; that so thou mayst look graciously upon me, both now and always, and delight in doing me good, according unto thy promise, wherein is my comfort. We ought to be more affected with spiritual miseries then with bodily. IF men be in some bodily distress, sickness, poverty, or any other outward calamity, which lieth heavy upon them, they sigh and even groan in themselves, and seek by all means to be released from the same. But though their Souls be in great misery and wretchedness, a Reu. 3.17 poor, blind, naked; yea, sick unto the death, and exposed unto many, and those most fearful judgements, both in this life, and much more in the life to come, they complain not, they are no ways troubled, they sigh not, they sorrow not, they seek not to be recovered out of that woeful estate & condition wherein they are. Oh, how hath Satan blinded their eyes? how hath he wholly possessed them with a Spirit of slumber b Rom. 11.8 , that they should be so miserable, and yet see not their misery, nor have any sense and feeling of their greatest evils? For, did they but see the misery they are in; if they did but know how heavy a burden lieth upon them, which if it be not removed in time, will press them down to hell, they would then fill every place they came in, with their plaints and mournings; they would sigh, sob, and groan in spirit, and never be at quiet c Acts 16.29.30. , never at rest in themselves, till they saw themselves freed from the same. O merciful LORD, as thou hast showed thyself exceeding gracious unto me, in showing me my misery and bringing me out of it, so I humbly beseech thee, to d A&s 26.18 open their eyes, which are yet closed up, and covered with that fearful darkness, which Sin and Satan hath brought upon them, that they may see their estate; and touch their hearts, even of as many of them as thou hast ordained to life, that seeing it, and bewailing it, they may labour to come out of it. And keep thy Servant both now and always, from that blindness of mind, and deadness of heart, which of all evils are the most fearful, and such as thou sufferest to fall upon the reprobate, and those that shall perish for ever. Let me grieve more for the decay of thy graces, the want of the comfortable sense and feeling of thy love and favour, and the miseries unto which my soul is subject through sin, then for sickness of body, loss of goods, poverty, or any other outward calamity whatsoever, which may at any time befall me. The conversion of others is to be sought for. HE is of a malignant nature, that having wandered out of the way with the rest of his company, and been thereby together with them, in great peril and danger, and afterwards finding the right way, walketh therein alone, and letteth the rest go on to their destruction. So it is with those, that being through the grace and goodness of God converted themselves from the crooked and dangerous ways of sin and wickedness, wherein before they walked a Tit. 3.3. together with others, seek not to bring others into the right way with them, that so they may both escape that danger which was ready to fall upon them. Good LORD, as it hath pleased thee in the riches of thy mercies to recall me out of the by-paths of sin and iniquity, wherein I have a long time wandered and gone astray, and the end and issues whereof are death and perdition; so give me thy Spirit I humbly pray thee, whereby I may be stirred up daily as to renew my conversation and repentance, so also in a b Jude 22.23. Psal. 51.13 compassion of others, to seek by all means to win them, and to bring them out of the ways of destruction into the ways of life and salvation, by labouring their speedy and unfeigned conversion unto thee, that so we may jointly with one heart and c Luke 15.31 1 Tim. 1.17 voice praise and glorify thee both now and evermore. Amen. The miserable estate of a wicked and unconverted person. O How fearful and miserable is the estate of every wicked and ungodly man, both in life, in death, after death, and for ever? As soon as he cometh into the world, he is as a loathsome a Levit. 13.45 job 14.4. Psal. 51.5. Ezek 16.4 5.6.8. Leper in the sight of God, stripped b Rom. 3.23 of all righteousness and holiness, and altogether stained and defiled with the filth and contagion of original sin and corruption. There is no c Esa. 1.6. whole part sound in him. He is borne a d Ezek. 16.3. job. 11.12 limb of the old Adam; yea, the child of e Eph. 2.3. wrath, and of the curse; subject unto hell, death and damnation f Rom. 5.12.16. . And the longer he lives, the more he increaseth this misery and wretchedness of his wherein he was borne. Every hour addeth moment thereto, so that he becometh at length the child of the Devil g joh. 8.44 & 1 john 3 8. sevenfold more than he was before. The curse of the Law, and the wrath of God seizeth more and more upon him h joh. 3.36 Galat. 3.10 . His person is not i Rom. 8.8. Psal. 5.5. accepted of God; yea, he hates k Pro. 15.8 & 21.27 him; nay, his best services, whereby he vainly thinketh that he meriteth much at his hands (as his Prayers, Alms, and outward moral virtues,) are an abomination unto him; he loathes and abhors them; they are as stinking l Esa. 1.13.14 carrion in his nostrils, burdensome unto him. He hath no right nor interest vn●o the things of this m Hosea 2.9. world which he enjoyeth, but is an usurper and intruder into other men's n 1 Cor. 3.21.22. possessions, and standeth indicted in the Court of Heaven for theft and robbery (howsoever he be free in the Courts of men;) yea, and shall one day in the presence of the whole world hold up his hand at the Bar of God's judgement-seate, and answer o Luk. 16.2 for the unjust use and possession of the things that were not his own, but others, from whom he detained them. He is a drudge unto the world, and a slave and vassal p joh. 8.34 Rom. 6.20. 2 Pet. 2.19 to sin and Satan. He (even that cursed Fiend q Ephe. 2.2 who ruleth in the hearts of the children of disobedience,) hath set up his Sceptre in his heart, and ruleth and swayeth him altogether as it pleaseth him; yea, in most woeful manner tyrannizeth over him, and layeth many and heavy bonds and fetters upon him, upon every part of his soul and body; and so having dominion and power over him, leadeth r 2 Tim. 2.26. him as it were in triumph after him, as a most miserable thrall and bondslave, captivated to every vile lust, wherewith it shall please him to ensnare him, Pride, Covetousness, Uncleanness, Maliciousness, Envy, etc. Nay, there is no thraldom, no bondage like unto that under which he is held by Satan, and by the s Eph. 6.12 Powers of darkness. The bondage of the Israelites of old, under that cruel and hardhearted Tyrant t Exod. 1.11. etc. & 2.2.23. & 3.7.9. Pharaoh, or of the poor captivated Christians, now under the barbarous Turk, is but a shadow thereof; yea, but a dream of a shadow in comparison of it. For here, not the body only, but the soul also, and the whole man is bound; yea, laden and pressed down with many heavy chains and irons, and that (which maketh his misery so much the greater) whiles he seethe v Isay 6.9.10. Rom. 11.8 Reu. 3.17. not, nor feeleth that misery and woeful estate whereinto he is plunged, but rejoiceth, and x Prou. 12.15. & 14.12. glorieth in it, thinking himself to be as y 1 Cor. 4.8. john 8.33. free as any: yea, he thrusteth himself daily more & more into the very depth of bondage and misery, and (such is his extreme sottishness, wherewith Satan hath even infatuated him) thinking them to be his greatest z 1 Kin. 21 20 enemies, who are his best friends, seeking to pull him out of the claws of Satan, and to free him from the power of death and darkness, even from that wretched bondage and slavery into which the prince of this world (that deadly enemy of mankind) hath brought him. He is a dead man whiles he liveth; dead in trespasses a Eph. 2.1. Col. 2.13. and sins, and lieth rotting and putrefying in the grave of his corruptions, neither hearing the lively sound of the voice of the Son of God, nor having any b 1 Cor. 2.14 taste or feeling of things spiritual and heavenly. He hath no true sound constant joy c job 20.5 or comfort in his life time, no d Isay 57.20.21. perfect peace, but only fleshing of carnal and worldly joy, which is as the crackling e Eccles. 7.8. of thorns under the pot; and the f Prou. 14.13. end whereof is heaviness, and much anguish of mind and spirit, yea, terror of soul and conscience g job. 15.21. & 27.20. , which is his hell in this life, and the forerunner of those infernal torments, and hellish pangs which he shall endure for ever in that place of woe and torment provided for him, even in the h Prou. 21.16 congregation of the dead and damned, where he shall take up his restless resting place for evermore. He lieth open continually all to the plagues and judgements i Prou. 24.20. Psal. 27.9.30. of GOD, and may well fear that the Lord will strike him dead every hour, every moment, as he did k Acts 5. Ananias and Saphira; and make him a fearful spectacle of his wrath and just vengeance unto others, causing either the waters to overflow and drown him, as they did the old l Gen. 7. world; or the Earth to open the mouth presently, and to swallow him up, as it did Corah, Dathan m Num. 16 , and Abiram, and their complices and confederates; or Fire and Brimstone to rain down from heaven and to consume him, as it did n Gen. 19 Sodom and Gomorrha, and those other Cities which the Lord made a Looking-glass unto the world; or the Air he breathes in, to poison him, as it did so many thousands, in those late contagious and infectious times (never to be forgotten) when the Arrows of the Lord were scattered far and near, and drunk up the lives of so many of all sorts with the venom thereof; or the * Hab. 2.11 House he dwelleth in to fall upon his head, as it did upon the Philistimes o judg. 16.30. , whiles they were sporting with Samson; or evil Angels p Psal. 78.49. to smite him, and to wound him to death immediately, as they did the Egyptians, whiles they oppressed the people of GOD; or the Worms and Lice to eat him up, and to consume him, as they did q Acts 12.23 Herod when he was in the height of his pride and insolency; or the very Meat and Drink which he takes for nourishment, to be come his bane even deadly poison unto him (as Histories do report of some;) or a hair to choke him. Yea, he may well fear that all the Creatures will band themselves together, conspire his ruin, and work his utter and irrecoverable overthrow, as doubtless they would (seeing they are enemies to all that are the Lords enemies, and withal groan under the weight and burden of the sins of the wicked,) but that the LORD restraineth them for a time, that he may heap r Gen. 15.16. up the measure of his wickedness, and so after he hath s Rom. 2.5. treasured up wrath against the day of wrath, bring the greater destruction and more fearful desolation upon him in the end, even that which shall press him down into the very bottom of hell, and the lowest places of that deep and darksome dungeon, where after that dreadful sentence t Mat. 25.41 passed against him in the day of judgement, he shall lie bound and fettered hand and feet in most grievous and unspeakable tortures v Mat. 13.42 & 24.51. & 25.30.46 Mark 9.44 and torments for evermore; having the worm of conscience continually gnawing upon his soul, and fretting and vexing his conscience, and the fire of God's wrathful indignation and fury scorching him in most fearful manner; yea, the full viols of the fierceness of the wrath of the Lord continually poured upon him, so that he shall lie yelling, roaring, & crying continually, making such fearful clamours and hideous noises, as would astonish the heart of the hardiest and stoutest Champion on earth to hear; yea, affright him, and cause him to be at his wit's end. Nay, what shall I say? All this is but a shadow of that woeful misery, and those grievous and hellish torments, which then and there he shall endure for ever without any ease, any hope of intermission or recovery; no, not though x jer. 15.1 Ezek. 14.14. Noah, job, Daniel, yea, all the Saints and Angels (which notwithstanding they shall be far from, rather rejoicing in his misery, then pitying him, or seeking to help or comfort him) though all they, I say, should in compassion of his unsupportable misery, seek and sue unto the Lord for some release for him, though it were after many thousand years. Oh, whose heart doth not even break within him, to think of this so wretched estate and condition of the wicked and ungodly y job. 20.29. , although they be so blind that they see it not, or so secure and careless that they regard it not, but go on with great boldness and presumption in a strange manner, till they drink of the very dregs of that bitter z Psal. 11.6 cup, which is prepared for them. It was well said of One, that he would not be in the estate of a wicked man half an hour, for the whole world. Who would, that knows what it is, or wisely considereth what hath been said of it out of those divine testimonies which the Truth itself hath sealed? Blessed be thy name O Lord, that it hath pleased thee in the riches of thy grace and mercy, through Christ my Saviour, to draw me out of that woeful misery, when I was as deeply plunged thereinto as others. O let me never forget that unspeakable goodness of thine towards me therein; let me never cease to bless and praise thy name for the same, and to testify my unfeigned thankfulness unto thee by continual and constant obedience unto all thy holy and righteous laws and commandments, and that even unto the end of my days a Psal. 119 5 . And open the eyes I beseech thee of those that danced lie in that natural and co●●●● estate of theirs, being for t●● present in great misery and woeful wretchedness, and yet see not their misery, but are covered with darkness, and with the shadow of death. O let thy saving grace shine out unto them, that so they may turn from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to thee their God, and in the sense and acknowledgement of b 1 Tim. 1 16.17 the great things thou hast wrought for them, in delivering them from so miserable and fearful a condition into that blessed and glorious estate of thy chosen, together with all thy Saints and redeemed ones, return praise and glory unto thee, both now and evermore. God's patience provokes men to speedy▪ and unfeigned repentance and conversion. THE patience and long sufferance of the Lord, should be a strong cord and forcible means to draw a Rom. 2.4 jer. 13.27 Hosea. 6.4. & 11.8 men unto repentance; yea, it ought even to constrain them presently to turn unto him, and to cast away all their sins, whereby they have heretofore offended him, and grieved his spirit which hath striven b Gen. 6.3 so long with them, and yet is loath to departed from them, and to leave them to themselves and to their own ways, the end whereof would be perdition and everlasting destruction. Oh, that gracious dealing of his with them in bearing with them so long, who have so oft and so many ways provoked him; that great and unspeakable kindness and goodness of his in continuing unto them life, health, and all these outward blessings (and which is a far greater thing) offering c Prou. 1.21.22 2 Cor. 6.2. Heb. 3.15. 2 Pet. 3.9. unto them from time to time the means of grace and salvation, and seeking to bring them to heaven and happiness, whom he might long since have stripped and utterly deprived of all these things, yea, cut them off from the face of the earth, and cast them into hell to receive the wages d Rom. 6.23 and due deserts of their sins. This, this, it should even break their hearts, make their souls to melt within them for their marvelous ingratitude and undutifulness in dealing so unkindly, yea, so rebelliously with him who hath showed himself once, yea, often and that many ways so kind and gracious unto them. Oh it should even enforce them to come e jer. 3.22. unto him presently without all delays; it should win their hearts, and cause them to refuse his grace no longer, to stand out no more against him, but to bow and bend themselves wholly to his will in all things; and to desire by all means to recompense their former unkindness and exceeding ingratitude and unthankfulness towards him, with so much the greater care and conscionable endeavour to walk humbly, dutifully and thankfully before him in time to come; studying how to please him, and to return glory unto him. This effect it should have in all of us. How sottish therefore are those that thereby become the more obdurate f Rom. 2.7 and hardhearted? who, the more kind and gracious the Lord is in bearing with them for their sins past, do become the more unkind and rebellious against him, not only continuing in their former sins and wickedness, but also adding thereunto new and greater sins daily, and so growing every day worse and worse the more that he extendeth his goodness and patience towards them? O faithless and stiffnecked people, men of stubborn and rebellious hearts and ears? Do you so reward g Deut. 32 6 the Lord for his great mercy towards you when you were altogether unworthy of it, yea, deserved nothing but that the viols of his wrath and fury should be powered out upon you? Is this your kindness to your God who hath so exceeded in his grace, and bounty toward you? Is this your dutifulness, your loyalty, your requital of his fatherly compassions over you? Do you so answer him? O how fearful, yea, monstrous a thing is this, that men should be made worse by the goodness of God? how miserable are they that will make the mercies of God an occasion of their own misery? and how ingrateful are they, who, the more kind the Lord is towards them, show themselves the more wicked and rebellious against him? We would blush and be ashamed to deal so with men, and shall we deal so with the everliving and most glorious God, that great God of the whole world, who made us when we were not, and is able presently to cast us both body and soul into hell-fire, there to be tormented for evermore? far be it from me, O Lord, so highly to offend thy majesty. O let me never abuse the riches of thy bounty and patience, lest thereby I heap up unto myself wrath against the day of wrath and vengeance, but let thy long-sufferance be salvation h 2 Pet. 3.15 unto me, even a means to mollify my heart, & to draw me daily nearer unto thee, and to cause me to walk more humbly, dutifully, & obediently before thee, yea as thou strivest continually by thy spirit to win me unto thee, and even to overcome me with thy gracious and merciful dealing towards me, so let me strive and endeavour with all my strength, and with all the powers of my soul and body to return all thankfulness unto thee, and to testify the unfeigned thankfulness of my heart by entire and constant obedience unto all thy laws and commandments, and the more thy kindness is enlarged towards me, the more let me increase in love and dutifulness unto thee; than thus I may at length see that promised salvation of thine, in the hope and expectation whereof, I do and will rest continually. A looking Glass, whereby to see what our estate is; whether we be true Converts or no. THere be many that think they are converted, when indeed they are not a Prou. 12.15. & 14.12. , but lie still in the state of sin, of death, and of condemnation. So b jer. 17.9. deceitful is the heart of man, and so guileful that arch-enemy of mankind Satan (who in a malicious and unsatiable manner hunteth c job. 1.7. 1 Pet. 5.8 continually after the lives and souls of men) that oft times he bleareth the eyes of men, and deludeth them with counterfeit semblances, with vain imaginations and shadows of things that are not, that so he may cause them to rest carelessly, and securely in that fearful & dangerous estate wherein they are, till in the end he maketh a prey of them, so that none is able to deliver them out of his hands, or to pluck them out of his jaws. It is good therefore for every one to take sure trial of himself d Lam. 3.40. 2 Cor. 13.5. , and to see that he standeth upon firm e 1 Cor. 10 12 ground, lest otherwise he perish unawares, and fall down suddenly into the pit of everlasting destruction, when he thought he was far off from it; and find himself in the depth of hell, when as before he dreamt of no such matter, but deemed himself to be in as good estate as any, though now (too late) he bewaileth even with f Luke 16.24. Hebr. 11.42 tears his great folly and marvelous security which hath brought him to that place of woe and torment, which he thought not of till he found himself in it; and out of which he cannot now recover himself g Luke 16.26. , though he had a thousand world's to give for his ransom. Lest therefore, thou be'st (as others have been, who now groan in hell for it) beguiled by the deceitfulness of thine own corrupt heart, and the subtleties and illusions of Satan h 2 Cor. 2.11. , (who seeks nothing but thy ruin and utter overthrow) look diligently into this Glass, which out of the Word of GOD I set before thee, whereby (if thou hast not a mist before thine eyes) thou mayest rightly discern, whether thou art yet a true Convert or no, or else liest still rotting, and putrefying in the corrupt estate of nature, not having as yet the work of grace wrought in thee, howsoever heretofore thou hast flattered thine own soul, and thought that the way wherein thou walkest was right, when as the end and issue of it is death and destruction i Prou. 16.25 . First therefore, where true repentance is, and unfeigned conversion, there is a true knowledge k Psal. 51.3 & sight of a man's sinful estate, and the wretchedness and misery whereinto he is plunged; a knowledge of the sin wherein he was conceived l Psa. 51.5 and borne, viz. the sin of Adam imputed m Rom. 5.12.18. to him as his own, and his own inherent n Rom. 7.24 and inbred corruption, together with his many and grievous actual transgressions of the most holy and righteous laws and Commandments of GOD, for which the curse of God hath seized upon him, so that he is the o Eph. 2.3. child of wrath and perdition. He seethe himself (of himself) to be most wretched and miserable, being assoon as he came into this world as a most loathsome leper in the eyes of God, altogether stained and p Ezek. 16. job 9.30.31. defiled both in soul and body with the filth and contagion of that original corruption and pollution which cleaveth fast q Heb. 12.1. unto him, and covereth him as the flesh wherewith he is covered on every side, so that there is no sound part either in soul or body; yea, nothing but wounds r Isa. 1.6. , & swelling, and sores full of corruption. He seethe that as he was borne thus sinful by nature, so that he hath continued therein ever since he had his being in this world; yea, that he is become every day more corrupt, s Gen. 6.5. & 8.21. job 15.16. more vile and abominable, his whole life having been nothing else but a multiplying of sin upon sin, and transgression upon transgression, by the violating and breaking of the commandments of God. He seethe himself hereby to be accursed t Gal. 3.10 joh. 3.18. , having the Law continually thundering out that fearful sentence against him, whereby he stands as a condemned wretch before God, subject to all plagues and v Deut 28.15.16 etc. miseries in this life, and to everlasting x Mat. 25.41. joh. 5.29. torments both of body and soul in the life to come; yea, that he is pressed down by that fearful & condemning sentence of that most just and righteous law, even to hell-gates, and that the door is ready presently to be opened upon him y job 21.13 Isa. 5.14. , even assoon as the messenger (which continually attendeth upon him, ready to execute the law of his Creator and most just judge) shall knock at the same by death, that so he may have entrance into that place of torment provided for him (the congregation of the dead z Pro. 21.16. and damned) where he shall receive the wages a Rom. 6.23. and due deserts of all his sins and rebellions against that infinite and glorious Majesty for evermore. Being thus brought to the knowledge and sight of his sins, and wretched estate by the same, and that through the preaching b Rom. 7.7.8.9.10 of the Law, whereby it is discovered and made clear unto him, as in a Glass; he knoweth withal (seeing the word of God, which shall stand for ever, hath sealed it) c Exek. 18.4. joh. 8.24. that if he die in that estate, he must needs perish and be damned eternally, without all hope of recovery, and therefore is marvelously humbled in himself, being cast down with the sense and feeling of his own wretchedness and that woeful estate into which he is plunged, so that although heretofore he rejoiced in it, and made a mock of it d Pro. 14.9 , when he was put in remembrance of it by others, yet now he hangeth down his head with e Rom. 6.21 Ezra 9.6. shame and sorrow, like a guilty and condemned person, ready to go to the place of execution: yea, he is wholly possessed with the spirit of bondage f Rom. 8.15. Isa. 66.2. , which filleth and striketh his soul with much fear, anguish, and exceeding horror and amazement, so that his heart quaketh, his conscience is wounded within him, and his flesh trembleth for fear g Acts 16.29. & 9.6. of God's wrath and vengeance, which every moment is ready to seize upon him: yea, he groaneth under h Matt. 11.28. the heavy burden that lieth upon him, and oppresseth him in most grievous manner. It causeth him to grieve, to sigh, to sorrow, to mourn and lament for the misery which is come upon him, and to desire i Act. 2.37 & 16.30. Rom. 7.24 above all things in the world to be freed from it, & to be let lose, as it were, out of that hell into which in a sort he findeth himself plunged, being in his own apprehension as a forlorn and condemned wretch. Being thus , thus wounded and humbled under the mighty hand of GOD, and cast down with the sight and sense of his sin, and of the curse and wrath of God, and all those horrible judgements of his, hanging over him for the same, feeling himself to be as a damned creature, dead and lost, & both confessing it k Luke 15 21. job 31.33 & 39.36.37. Pro. 28.13. , and complaining of it uncessantly, and seriously bethinking l Luke 15.17. himself how he might (if it were possible) come out of it; he hears by the preaching of the Gospel, m Luke 2.10. of the means how to be delivered from that so miserable and woeful estate and condition in which for the present he is enwrapped, and to be restored unto full and perfect happiness, viz. n Isa 53. Matt. 3.15.17. the absolute obedience and satisfaction of CHRIST JESUS, the promised Messiah, who being the Son of God, dear unto his Father, became Man o Gal. 4.4. Rom. 8.3.4 1 Pet. 2.24 , subject unto the Law, and fully satisfied the justice of God, by taking the p Gal. 3.13 curse upon him, and fulfilling the Law of God, and so delivered the prisoner q Esa. 42.7 & 61.1. Luke 4.18 out of the prisonhouse, and let them that were bond go free; by his death freeing them from sin, death, and condemnation r Rom. 8.1 & 3.24. & 5.19. 2 Cor. 5.21. Hebr. 9.26 28. joh. 1.29. , and restoring them to righteousness, life, and everlasting salvation and happiness, so that nothing can ever after be laid unto their charge. Having attained to the knowledge of this great and glorious work of man's redemption wrought by CHRIST, Act. 13.38 1 joh. 5.9. and knowing that there is no other means to be saved s Acts 4.12 Rom. 8.3. , there is bred in him a marvelous desire and vehement longing to be made partaker of the same; a hungering and thirsting t Esa. 55.1 Mat. 5.6. after Christ and his righteousness, and the redemption and salvation purchased by his death and bloodshed, even as a man that were ready to die for thirst ᵛ would desire drink, judg. 15.18 or a man condemned to die some cruel death, would long for a pardon; and withal a prising x Matt. 13.44.46. of it at a high rate, far above all other things in the world whatsoever; yea, y Phil. 3.8. a base account of all other things in comparison thereof, esteeming this the only treasure on earth; that which if he may obtain, he would think himself a happy man, and can never rest satisfied by any means till he find that he, as well as others, hath his portion in it; and therefore willingly forsaketh his sweetest sins, and denieth himself * Luk 9.23 that he may obeaine it. Hereupon follows faith in Christ, in and by whom this great benefit is received; an earnest seeking and suing unto him for the obtaining of this grace and mercy at his hand; that is, knowing what the promises of the Gospel are z Matt. 9.13. Revel. 21.6 & 22.17 Isa. 55.1. Mat. 11.28 joh. 7.37. , how that Christ calls and invites graciously all (that feel the heavy burden of their sins and misery, and labour and groan under them, sighing and desiring in themselves to be freed and delivered from the same) to come unto him, promising to ease and refresh them by taking the burden from their shoulders, and laying it upon his own; hence, he is excited and stirred up (casting away all confidence in himself) to fly unto him by a true justifying faith, resting and relying upon his promise that he will receive him to mercy, and ease and secure him: yea, he cleaves fast unto him & unto his word; he builds upon it, and will sooner die then let go his hold which he hath taken a Can. 3.2.3.4. of him whom his soul loveth and longeth after above all things, as in whom alone he seethe his freedom from his former misery, & all perfection of happiness to consist, when it can no where else be b Acts 4.12 found. Hence proceedeth unspeakable joy and comfort c Acts 2.46.47. Acts 16.34 in the sense and assurance of this wonderful benefit which by this means he is made partaker of. His spirits are refreshed, and his soul rejoiceth within him, as one that hath found a great d Mat. 13.44. treasure which lay hid in the bowels of the earth, and could hardly be come by, and which he would not part with for ten thousand worlds. Yea, he hath that peace e Rom. 5.1 & 11. which passeth all understanding, and that joy which cannot be expressed f 1 Pet. 1.8. , arising from this, that he knoweth that he is justified, g Rom. 8.33. and standeth as righteous in God's sight, before whom he lay in former times as a vile and loathsome leper h Levit. 13 45. , that he is i Rom. 8.39. loved of him, whereas before he was hated k Rom. 8.14.17. and abhorred; that he is his adopted child ˡ, dear and precious in his eyes, whereas before he was an * Ephes. 2.12. enemy, and an alien and stranger from his covenant; and in a word, an heir of grace, and all the good blessings of God in this life m Rom. 8.17. 1 Cor. 3.21 2●. Reu. 21.7. , and of endless and unspeakable glory and happiness in the life to come in that celestial kingdom which is prepared for him, and which he resteth in hope to have the full possession of for ever, assoon as this short and fading life of his is ended, which he seethe daily winding up apace. And lastly, hereby is kindled in his heart an unfeigned love of Christ, and of God in Christ, who hath been so exceeding kind and gracious unto him above all that he could expect or desire; the coals of that affection wherewith he burneth towards him, are fiery n Cant. 8.6.7. , and the flame vehement; nothing can quench it. And this love of his towards him causeth him o 2 Cor. 5.14.17. 1 Pet. 4.1.2. Luke 1.75 1 Thes. 4.1. & 5.23. 2 Cor. 7.1. Psal. 116.12. to study with himself how to please him in all things, by walking before him in all the duties of righteousness and holiness which he requireth of him, and that with a cheerful & willing heart and mind, rejoicing when he can do the good he commandeth, and mourning when he is overtaken with the evil which he hath forbidden, grieving with a godly and repentant sorrow when through any occasion he falls into any sin, and striving by all means to live as it becometh his redeemed Ones, to show p 1 Pet. 2.9. forth the virtues of him his God and merciful Saviour, who hath in so wonderful manner called him out of darkness into that marvelous light of his, that so (if it be possible) he may in some sort be answerable to that great mercy, and to those riches of his grace and kindness vouchsafed unto him, and walk worthy thereof in some acceptable measure. He is ashamed q Rom. 6.21. of his former vain and foolish conversation, wherein before he so much pleased himself, that he wondered that others would not be like unto him therein r 1 Pet. 4.4 ; yea, he abhors it s job. 42.6 2 Cor. 7.11. , and himself for it, and is ready to lie down in dust and ashes, to testify his inward grief and sorrow for the same. Set now this Glass before thee, and behold thyself in it with an unpartial view and right discerning. If thou findest that it hath been thus with thee, that all these things, in their measure, have been wrought in thee, thou hast cause to rejoice, and to glory in the Lord; thou art a true convert; Salvation t Luk. 19.9 is come unto thee; thy estate is most blessed and happy, though outwardly thou be'st miserable, a despised and forlorn creature. But alas, how few be there that can say in truth, it hath been, or is thus with them? How small is the number of such? For behold, so is it with the most. Although they vainly suppose that they have truly repent as well as others, and are therefore in good estate, yet indeed they either never saw their sins, and their wretchedness and misery by reason of the same, but are of the Laodicean temper, think themselves to be rich, and increased with spiritual goods v Reu. 3.17 1 Cor. 4.8. , and to have need of nothing, when as indeed they are poor, and blind, and naked: or, if they had a sight at any time of it, they were not truly and thoroughly humbled for the same, they had not a sense of their miserable and woeful condition, they found not themselves lost, and ready to perish, they grieved not for it, mourned not, lamented not, being much perplexed and astonished in themselves, their hearts were never pricked and wounded by the preaching of the Law. Or if they come thus far (which yet is not sufficient) they attained not to a sound knowledge of the saving grace offered in the Gospel, of the Redemption and Salvation by Christ, but remain ignorant thereof, and rest themselves content in that ignorance of theirs, which hath covered their eyes, so that they cannot see the light which shineth so clearly unto them. Or else, if they have the knowledge hereof, yet their hearts are not so affected therewith as they should be, they do not so earnestly and so unfeignedly long after the receiving of this benefit; they do not hunger and thirst after the righteousness of CHRIST JESUS, desirous above all things to be satisfied therewith; they do not so highly prise it as they should, accounting all other things as loss and dung in comparison of it; yea, their minds are altogether in a manner, taken up about other matters, x Psal. 4.6. pleasures, profits, honours; and this is the thing they least regard or seek after, much less thirst after in such an unsatiable manner. And therefore they are not stirred up to come unto CHRIST, to labour by Faith to lay hold on him, and to apply his merits and promises unto them, and to cast their burden upon him, desirous to be unloosed, and to find ease, comfort, and refreshing in him; but their hearts are even dead within them, and they are strangers from this life of grace and y Gal. 2.20 faith which is in Christ jesus. And no marvel then that there appears in them so little, or no love of him, so small desire to please him, and to testify their love and thankfulness unto him by their new obedience, and careful and conscionable walking in his commandments, seeing they never tasted fully of the sweetness and the exceeding joy and comfort arising from that wonderful benefit and unspeakable mercy which is sealed up to the souls and consciences of true penitent sinners, and such as have received Christ by a saving faith to be their wisdom z 1 Cor. 1 30. , their righteousness, their sanctification and redemption. O merciful LORD, how great is thy goodness and mercy towards me, that whereas thou sufferest many, yea, the greatest part of the world still to wander in the ways of wickedness, and to sit in the shadow of death and darkness, either not seeing their misery, and woeful, and most wretched estate and condition; or else seeing it, to be so secure, so careless, and so hard-hearted as not to regard it, and to labour to come out of it, being beguiled through the deceitfulness of their own hearts, and the craft and delusion of Satan, yet in the unsearchable riches of thy abundant grace and a 1 Tim. 1 14.17. mercy towards me in Christ jesus, hast opened mine eyes, which before were shut up as well as others, and turned me from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan, unto thee my blessed Lord and Saviour, raising me out of the grave wherein I was dead and buried, delivering me from the Kingdom of darkness, and translating me into the Kingdom of thy dear Son, giving me assurance of the forgiveness of my sins, and a comfortable hope and expectation of that joyful inheritance provided for thy Saints and chosen once in the highest heavens: What shall I return unto thee, answerable unto so great love, unto such fatherly compassions and unspeakable mercies of thine towards me? Thou mightest have suffered me to continue in my blindness and ignorance as well as others, to have been as careless, as secure, and as hard-hearted as any others, and so to have perished with them, dreaming that all had been well with me, whiles I lay rotting in my natural and corrupt estate. For what am I, or what have I been, that thou shouldest respect me more than others? Thou mightst for my sins (so many and so grievous) justly have forsaken me, as thou hast done them. But thou hast not so dealt with me. Blessed be thy name both now and evermore. O touch my heart with the due meditation of this thy gracious goodness towards me. And teach me daily to labour to feel this work of thine more and more effectual in me, by renewing my repentance for my sins, whereby I have, and do daily and hourly displease thee in the breach of thy righteous laws and commandments. Let me see my sins and transgressions, and the misery whereunto they make me subject; and seeing them, let me bewail them, yea, lament and mourn for them, and be truly humbled with the consideration of them. Let me freely and unfeignedly confess them unto thee, and that with shame and sorrow of heart: And let them cause me wholly to renounce myself, to judge and condemn myself, yea, to abhor myself, and to fly unto thee in the name of thy Son my blessed Saviour, in whom there is mercy and plentiful redemption b Psal. 130.7 : Let me hunger and thirst after his righteousness more than after any thing else whatsoever; yea, let me highly esteem of it, and make more precious account of it then of all the riches and treasures of this world, desirous (though with the loss of all other things) to win Christ, and to be found in him clothed and covered with those precious robes of his. And let me by the hand of a true saving faith apply unto myself the merits of his death and passion, his righteousness, his obedience, and his full and perfect satisfaction, being certainly assured that all the promises of the Gospel belong unto me. And let the knowledge and full persuasion hereof cause me to rejoice, yea, to glory in thee, and in this wonderful and unspeakable mercy of thine towards me, even with that joy of thy spirit which is most glorious; c 1 Pet. 1.8 and fill my heart and soul with that peace which passeth all understanding. And with all, let it stir me up continually to walk before thee in all holy obedience, desiring and endeavouring in all things to please thee, and to approve myself and all my actions unto thee, dying daily more and more unto sin, and living unto righteousness, and labouring by all means to be cleansed from all filthiness both of flesh and spirit, and to grow up to full holiness d 2 Cor. 7 1 in thy fear, that thus I may have good evidence that I am thine, that thou hast wrought thy gracious work in me, and wilt perfect it daily more and more, till thou bringest me unto that glory which thou hast prepared for me in thy heavenly kingdom, through the merits of thy Son, my blessed Lord and Saviour, to whom with thee and thy Spirit, be all praise, power and dominion both now and evermore. Amen. The godly man, is always blessed, never miserable. THe godly cannot but be always blessed, * job. 5.17. yea then when he seems to be most miserable in the eye of the world, and to sense and carnal reason. For when he is at the worst, he hath those things which he would have, (being contented with any a Phil. 4.11 estate, which the wise and gracious disposer of all things seethe fittest for him:) yea, he cannot have better things (in regard of his present estate in this life) than those things which he hath and enjoyeth, even then when he is laden and oppressed with many miseries. Is he humbled through afflictions? this is that which he would have b jer. 10.24 james 1.2 10 ; he had rather be continually under the Cross, then destitute of those excellent graces of c Rom. 5.3 patience & humility d Mat. 11.29 joh. 12.26 , without which he cannot be the disciple of Christ, nor approved of God, e Psal. 4.6. & 119.13.5 of whom above all things he desires to be accepted and favoured. Is he poor? he is well contented therewith, seeing he is largely recompensed with the greater supply of those better riches, * Phil. 4.19 those heavenly treasures both of grace and glory. He would not change his portion with the greatest and richest Monarch in the world that aboundeth in worldly wealth f Psal. 4.6.7 , and wanteth those spiritual and heavenly treasures which he enjoyeth, and which shall never be taken from him, whereas the other shall corrupt g james 5.2 and be cankered with rust and age, and consume, and come to nothing; h Psal. 119 96 he rejoiceth in his greatest infirmities and weaknesses, knowing that when he is weakest, Christ is strongest in him; as also that his power is perfected in his weakness, and that his grace is sufficient for him i 2 Cor. 12 9 & 12.4. , i 2 Cor. 12 9 & 12.4. and that even this infirmity of his is the mother and nurse of many graces and virtues in him. Is he basely esteemed of, vile and contemptible amongst men, or not had in that account and estimation which he seethe others to be in? * Psal. 131 1 Alas, of all things it is his desire, he might not be ambitious or haughty minded, which he knoweth is a thing which the Lord so much abhorreth * Pro. 6.16 , and then which nothing is more unbeseeming those that are Christians. He is willing to let go the honour of the Court k Heb. 11.25.26. , and the sweetest pleasures of sin which he knoweth last but for a season, rather than to leave following of Christ, or to follow him more faintly and heavily. He seeks not for the honour that is from men, l joh. 5.44 but that which cometh from God. He knoweth that it is his duty to go before others m Rom. 12 10 rather in giving then in taking honour, and to esteem better of others then of himself, n Phil. 2.3.5 framing himself to that pattern which Christ hath given unto him in his own example, which to imitate he accounteth (as it is indeed) his greatest honour. Yea, he rejoiceth and is exceeding glad when he is contemned, reviled, hated, Math. 5. and persecuted of the world, because hereby he is made conformable unto Christ his head o Rom. 15 2 Heb. 12.2. ; blessed, whiles others curse him, and that his reward shall be the greater in heaven, by how much the more he is contemned, despised, and molested on earth for the profession of Christ and his Gospel. What should I say? It is his unfeigned desire, with the blessed Apostle, to be crucified unto the world, and to have the world crucified unto him, q Gal. 2.19 20. & 6.14 that so Christ may live the more in him, r 2 Cor. 13.4 whiles he liveth in this world, and he may live for ever with Christ in the greater glory when he shall departed out of this world. And in this regard, he takes it not to heart, (as others do) how it fares with him in this world. He as willingly undergoeth shame, contempt, and reproach for Christ, as others eagerly seek to fasten it upon him. Again, is he cast down with grief and mourning; he is both blessed in his mourning, s Mat. 5.4 and assured of comfort after his mourning t Psal. 126 5. & 97.11 Isai. 61.10 & 65.14 Ezech. 9.4 , yea, that according unto the measure of his grief and mourning, u joh. 16 20.21.22 so shall be his comfort and rejoicing. The darkness of the weather, and the overcasting of the clouds which hinder that comfortable light from him for a time, is but a means and a preparative for that gracious rain of God's graces and mercies which will afterwards descend and shower down upon him in more plentiful and abundant manner. To say no more: The godly and truly religious man is always blessed, x Psal. 1. yea, and then (many times) most blessed y Eccles. 8 12 Isai. 3.10. when he seems to others (yea, and to himself also sometimes) most miserable and furthest off from blessedness. Lord, this is that which thou hast revealed in thy word to be the estate of thy chosen and holy ones. O Let me now and always believe it, and have comfortable experience of it; that so I may never envy z Psal. 37.1 at the seeming-prosperitie of the wicked, nor be daunted nor discouraged by means of any cross or affliction whatsoever shall or may befall me, at any time, but knowing thy promises, and my privileges, be comforted, when as outwardly I shall have cause of the greatest discomfort, being assured and fully persuaded (seeing thou hast said it) that it is and shall always be well a Eccl. 8.12 with me; yea, that even in misery I shallbe blessed and happy, and at length (having all tears wiped from mine eyes,) live with thee in fullness of glory for ever in that celestial kingdom of thine, where there shall be no more any of those changes, unto which I am now daily subject, and shall be till I am perfected, and translated into that resting place of thy Saints and chosen. The wicked man is always miserable, never blessed. THe wicked is miserable when he seemeth to others to be blessed and happy: yea, then oft times, most miserable, when he seemeth to be most happy, both in his own eyes, and in the eyes of others that have not a right discerning of things that differ. Marvel not at this, but weigh and consider it well, and thou wilt find and canst not but acknowledge it to be most true. For suppose he hath riches, pleasures, honours, friends, favour, & all that can be desired in this world, who doubts but that he hath great sorrow Psal. 30.10 , much perplexedness and vexation (as it were sour sauce) mingled with these delicates which his greedy appetite so much longed for; and yet now that he enjoys them, cannot be satisfied therewith a Eccle. 1.8 , nor find contentment therein, but hath the fire of hellish & inordinate lust more kindled in him then before, so that no water can quench it. A hungry and greedy worm continually lies gnawing upon him, so that he neither hath, nor can have any true peace b Isai. 40.22 or sound joy. He that makes question of this, I will send him to no other to learn this lesson then to wise Solomon, who hath proclaimed it c Eccles. 1. to the whole world as a most certain and undoubted truth. Besides, these things, wherein he thinks to find happiness and contentment, they become rank poison unto him, bringing the curse d Deut. 28 20 of God in more fearful manner upon him then ever before, and being the occasion e Hose. 2.8 & 13.6 james 4.3 of the increase of sinfulness in him, and so of wretchedness and misery f Hose. 13 7 Rom. 2.4.5 which always follows the same as an unseparable companion thereof. O therefore, who would ever delight in the estate of a wicked and ungodly man, except he were an enemy to his own happiness, and longed to make himself wretched and miserable, and that continually? O Lord, give me a right understanding; cause me every day more clearly to see, and consider the exceeding foolishness of the wicked, who wander from the ways of peace and happiness; and make me wise to withdraw my self more and more from the things that they delight in. Let me be careful always to turn my feet g Pro. 4.14 from their paths, and to walk before thee in truth and sincerity, and in singleness of heart, that so whereas they shall ever be wretched and miserable, I may have assurance that I am and shall be blessed both now and ever. Amen. The godly life, the only happy life. ALL things in this life are vain a Eccle. 1.8.14 and come to nothing, riches, health, beauty, strength, glory, or whatsoever the heart of man can desire, or which might seem to promise unto men the greatest felicity & happiness. Who is so blind that seethe not how fading and transitory they are, even those that are of the greatest perfection and excellency above others? They have an end and pass away as if they had never been b Eccle. 1.11 Psal. 119.96 . But the fear of the Lord endureth for ever c Psal. 19.9 Psal. 112. . True Religion and Godliness they abide with us in life and in death, and for ever. This is as the tree of life in the Paradise of God, which giveth life d Pro. 12.28. & 22.4 & 19.23 & happiness to them that delight not only to taste, but also to feed and fill themselves with it. This is as it were a clear fountain of living waters e joh. 4.14 , which spring up to everlasting life and glory in the kingdom of God. It crowns a man with many graces f Prou. 10 27 Deut 28.3. etc. Psal. 1.19 , and blessings here, and hereafter will give him entrance into the fullness and perfection of all blessedness; when all other things shall appear to be (as they are) vain shadows, dreams, and fancies, that shall satisfy the soul, with the abundance and accomplishment of all glory and happiness. Oh then, how great is the folly of those that seek more after these fading g 1 Cor. 7.31 1. joh. 2.27 and perishing things, then after that which is far to be preferred before them? that labour more to be h Psal. 4.6 rich, healthful, strong, honourable, etc. then to be truly religious, men fearing God and such as delight to walk conscionably before him in his ways; that strive more to abound in the pleasures, profits, and preferments, of this world (which are but as smoke, and soon vanish away i Psal. 49.17.18.19.20. , leaving the owner of them never a whit the better) then in grace and godliness, which hath the promises of blessedness, both in this life, * 1 Tim. 4.8 and in the life to come? O LORD, endue me daily more and more, with that wisdom which is from above: discover unto me yet more and more the vanity of all things here below. Let me consider how * Psa. 82.7. & 146.3.4. job 21.33. Princes & the greatest men die, and how their favour and honour fadeth with them: let me consider how one generation goeth, and k Eccl. 1.4. another cometh, and how even those things which are of greatest perfection * Psal. 119.96. , and in greatest account amongst men, perish & come to an end quickly, though insensibly, to them especially that have not eyes to discern the course of them. And on the other side, clear my dimmed sight, by the clear shine of thy grace and blessed Spirit, that I may behold how great the reward of true Religion and godliness is; what perfect and constant, yea, everlasting blessedness there is in walking uprightly before thee in the ways which thou hast prescribed unto me, that so making a choice of the better part * Luke 10.42 , I may be truly blessed of thee both in life and death, and for evermore. The godly life is the only comfortable and contented life. MAny are afraid to be religious for fear they should lose the comfort & content which before they enjoyed in their sinful vanities l Eccl. 11.9. , & lead a more heavy, a dampish, & uncomfortable life, wanting those sweet morsels with which they were wont to glut themselves, till they surfeited on them. O vain man, that so fond imaginest that thou shalt find comfort and happiness where it is not to be found m Eccle. 1.14. , and that thou shouldest deprive thyself of it by taking that course whereby thou only mightst attain unto it n Eccl. 12.13. . Why dost thou suffer thine own heart thus to deceive thee; yea, Satan with his sleights o 2 Cor. 2.11. thus to beguile and delude thee, causing thee to follow after shadows, and to let go the substance, even that only which can make thee happy, & thy life comfortable, and full of desired sweetness, whereas now for want of it thou languishest in vain hopes, & restless pursuit of that which is elsewhere to be found than thou dreamest; yea, even by those very means by which thou fearest thou shouldest deprive thyself of it. Know at length thine error, and learn to get true understanding, and a right discerning of those things which concern thy * Luk. 19.42. peace & happiness. The godly life only it is which is the truly comfortable and contented life. If thou wilt not believe the Saints of God p Psal. 4.4. Rom 5.1. 1 Pet. 1. Phil. 11.12 , who speak out of their own experience q joh. 3.11. , even those things which they have felt and tasted of, through the Spirit of grace which dwells in them, having had proof also of both estates, even that wherein thou (who art yet a carnal and unregenerate man) now art, as also of that wherein, through the mercy of God, they now stand, being sanctified and regenerate by the Spirit of God, and such as would not return to their former estate, wherein thou livest, nor exchange the●r present comforts for their former ●a●ities, though they might have (I say not with Balaam r Num. 12.28. ) a house full of Gold and Silver, but the whole world; yea ten thousand worlds (if it might be.) If thou wilt not I say, believe these, who notwithstanding aught to be credited, being well acquainted with those things which they testify; yet believe God himself, who hath said and sealed it in those divine Oracles for a certain and undoubted truth (which none except he will proclaim himself to be a professed Atheist, one which denies God and his Word, which is of infallible truth, dare ever deny, or once call into question in any sort) viz. that the life of the wicked is nothing but vanity and s Eccles. 1. misery, they being like a restless and raging Sea t Isa. 57.20 , which casts out mire and dirt continually, their fear's and sorrows v job 15.21 being many, and the evils x Psal. 32.10. which attend upon them infinite; the godly on the other side, full of comfort, heavenly solace, peace, y Prou. 24 20. Rom. 5.1.14.17. Psal. 97.11 Pro. 15.15. Phil. 4.4. joy, and much sweetness, such as none know, nor can conceive of, but they that have tasted of it z 1 Pet. 2.3 , and which after they have once tasted of it they account the sweetness and delight which they took in their former sinful pleasures to be (as they are indeed) but bitterness, and are ready to say with wise Solomon, when he had learned it upon sufficient experience, I said of laughter thou art mad, and of joy what is it that thou dost * Eccl. 2.2. Pro. 14.13 Yea, doubtless, there is that peace which passeth all understanding; that joy which as the Apostle calleth it (a glorious name indeed) is * 1 Pet. 1.8 unspeakable and glorious; both in regard of their present glorious feelings and apprehensions, which the Spirit of the Lord by an immediate hand, as it were, and by a secret inspiration a Luk. 1.41 doth work in them, and also in respect of those singular privileges, and of those sweet and blessed hopes b 1 Pet. 1.3 with which they are continually refreshed, even in the midst of mourning c Psal. 94.19. & 112 4. They taste daily (except it be sometimes when it pleaseth the Lord to restrain that benefit) either for some grievous sin d Psal. 51.12.14 committed against him, or for the trial and exercise of his graces in them, Faith, Hope, Patience, etc. or for the stirring of them up to Prayer, Invocation, & other such holy and religious duties, whereby he conveyeth and continueth that desired good unto them, which is the pledge and earnest penny as it were of the accomplishment of all those excellent and gracious promises which shall, no doubt, in due time be performed unto them, and in them.) They taste daily of that hidden and Heavenly Manna * Reu. 2.17 which giveth life to to their souls, yea, when they seem and are indeed (in regard of these sinful courses, wherein others place all their felicity) dead men to the world f Gal. 2.19 20. & 6.14 and worldly things. Oh these are such matters as the natural man is not g Prou. 14 10 acquainted with; he wondereth at this, when he heareth of it, being ready to say with Nicodemus, when Christ spoke unto him of Regeneration, or the new birth h joh. 3.4.9. Psal. 31. ; How can these things be? how can they be so filled with joy, who seem to be as full of miseries as any others; yea, to go mourning i Ezek. 9.4 Psal. 119.136. and drooping oft-times all the day long, hated also (many times) reviled, and persecuted in the world k 1 Cor. 4.12.13. , yea, made as the filth of the world, the offscouring of all things (as even those worthies, the blessed Apostles themselves were,) nay, a gazing-stock unto the world, unto Angels l 1 Cor. 4.9 , and unto men: m 1 Cor. 4 10. fools and weak and simple ones? How can such as these are, who seem rather to be the object of pity, than otherwise, dry and withered branches n Isay 53.2 , worms o Psal. 22.6 job 25.6. , and not men, how can they lead such a comfortable and glorious life, in comparison of which the pleasures and delights which we enjoy, are but smoke and vanity, of no esteem in regard of them. Thus reasons the natural man, who hath no other than carnal eyes, and therefore judgeth of every thing by the outward view and external object, not being able to discern the things of the Spirit of God p 1 Cor. 2.14. , neither the gifts and graces themselves, nor the blessed fruits and effects thereof, even those sweet and quiet fruits q Heb. 12.12 of righteousness, which spring forth in the hearts of those that are truly religious; but is like one that is purblind r 2 Pet. 1.9 , which cannot behold that which is too far removed from his sight, as these things which are spiritual and heavenly are. Thus therefore he reasoneth and cavilleth against this manifest and experienced truth, which to others is as clear as the beams of the Sun, when it shineth in his brightness. It is a strange matter to him, which will not enter into his head, because he is unacquainted with it, and thinks there can be no better delicates then that s Luke 15.16. 2 Pet. 2.22 draff, which with the Swine of the world he feedeth upon so greedily. Let not any deceive himself any longer with such dreams and fancies; let not Satan (who was a liar from the t joh. 8.44 beginning, and envies that unto others which he cannot attain unto himself) be a means through his false suggestions to drive thee from that which should be thy happiness. If ever thou wouldst (as who would not?) live a truly contented and comfortable life, labour to be truly and sincerely religious. And the more this care and endeavour shall increase in thee, the more shall that wished-for peace and comfort abound and be increased in thee. Believe this once v Phil. 1.25 , and take trial of it; and if thou find it not so, yea, above that which I am able to express x 1 Pet. 1.8 , or to declare it unto thee, return then unto thy former vomit again, which upon this consideration thou hadst formerly disgorged, and fill thyself with the husks and draff wherewith before (for want of better) thou didst feed and stuff thyself, and that many times, till thou wert even weary of them, and soughtst for change, for the satisfying (if it might be) of thy restless and unsatiable mind. Good LORD, fill me daily more and more with the comforts of thy Spirit. Refresh my Soul with the sweetness of that hidden and heavenly Manna, which the world is not acquainted with. Cause me with clear eyes to behold the vanity and vexation of spirit, which is in the life of the ungodly, their divers and manifold distractions, with which they are oft-times even rend and torn in pieces, and that horror of conscience which first or last seizeth upon them, as the forerunner of their future torments; and the felicity on the other side of thy Saints, even that heavenly solace and contentment which the godly life affordeth, and which ariseth from so many sweet springs and pleasant fountains, viz. certainty of their Election, whereby they know their names are written in thy Book of life y Luke 10.20. , before all worlds; sense and feeling of the forgiveness z Mat 9.2. Rom. 4.7. of their sins, which thy Spirit sealeth unto their souls; knowledge of their Adoption into the number of thy Children, which the same Spirit of a Rom. 8.16. 2 Cor. 1.22. thine testifieth unto them; assurance of thy love b Rom. 5.5 & 8.38.39 , which thou shedst into their hearts; fellowship and communion with thee c Reu. 3.20 who art the fountain of all happiness; union with thy Son my blessed Lord and Saviour, and in him with thine own Majesty d john 17.21.23. , and participation of those divine e 2 Pet. 1.4 and excellent graces wherewith their souls are decked f 1 Pet. 3.4 and adorned, and which are the only desirable riches g Prou. 3.13.14. and treasures, far above Silver, Gold, Pearl, or whatsoever else the world can afford unto them; and the continual hope and expectation of that future and promised glory h Ephes. 1.18. , which maketh their souls to i 1 Pet. 1.3 bless thee uncessantly, who art so rich in grace k Eph. 2.7. and mercy towards them; besides those many other privileges which thou hast vouchsafed them, concerning their temporal life and outward estate: viz. Protection of Angels, (those glorious Ministers,) which thou sendest forth to be Attendants l Psal. 91.11. Heb. 11.14 on them; Promise of thy especial Providence m 2 Chron. 2.5.8. & 4.10. Heb. 11.13.5. over them, and a n Mat. 6.26 32.3. & 7.11. continual and fatherly care for them; from whence necessarily followeth a removal o Rom. 8.28. of all evil from them, and a supply of all good p Psal. 23.1 & 84.11. even of all outward and earthly blessings unto them, which thou in thy wisdom seest to be convenient or necessary for them, for their comfortable and safer passage through the Wilderness of this world, till they come to that promised rest, that heavenly Canaan: that thus having mine eyes enlightened, to behold those things which thy word so clearly teacheth, and my heart rightly seasoned with the serious consideration of them, I may daily be drawn nearer unto thee with that sweetness which I find in thee, in comparison of which all other things are bitter and distasteful to such as have true understanding, and their senses rightly exercised q Heb. 5.14 to discern between good and evil. The frequent meditation of Death how necessary. HE that hath Death always before his eyes, will never have his thoughts set upon any thing which is base, sordid, and servile, or desire any thing in this world excessively and inordinately. This will make him to have a very mean esteem of all these earthly vanities; this will cause him with an equal mind to use prosperity and adversity a Psal. 90.12. , and to be rightly disposed in either, being neither too much lifted up with the one, nor too much cast down with the other, considering how short and momentary either the benefit and pleasure which is enjoyed by this b 1 Cor. 7.29. Heb. 11.25 , or the pain which is feared by that, will be. This will be a bridle, to curb and restrain him from all things that are unlawful, and to make him use those things which are lawful (if rightly used) with more moderation, and with less excess, wherein many do much offend; which I am persuaded they would not do, if they once acquainted themselves with this wholesome and necessary Meditation, whereunto many are mere strangers, yea, enemies c Isa. 28.19 Amos 6.3. ; they cannot abide to hear of it, or to call it to remembrance; nay, they show themselves to be afraid to think on it deliberately, even then when it puts itself upon them, as being that whereby they suppose they are brought to meet their greatest enemy in the face, whom they most dread and fly from, and the sight of whom (though a far off) they imagine would be very hurtful and dangerous unto them, damping them in their resolved courses d Lu. 12.19 , and scaring them from those sinful and pleasing vanities, wherein they now delight themselves in excessive manner. O blessed LORD, as Death is always, every where present and imminent, ready continually to seize upon me; so grant that I may have mine eyes open to see it standing near unto me; and that I may continually present the serious meditation thereof unto my mind and all my thoughts, that thereby I may be brought to suffer the greatest miseries which shall befall me in this world patiently, quietly, and contentedly, knowing that they will come quickly to an end; e Heb. 10.37 and to make the right use of prosperity (if it shall please thee to send it) not being too much addicted to the profits, pleasures, and delights of this beguilefull and deceivable world. Especially, let me with the due meditation hereof be wholly with drawn from the love and liking, the affecting and desiring of all those things which are vile and sinful, seeing the remembrance of these in death will be bitter, the sting painful, the smart grievous and intolerable. The resurrection of the good and bad in the last day, how different it shall be. OH, how glorious will the day of the Resurrection be? how comfortable to the godly? how terrible to the wicked! The godly they shall rise by the mighty power of Christ their Saviour a 1 Cor. 6.14 . He, who is the Head b Eph. 5 23 being raised, all they being his c 1 Cor. 6.15. Members, and united unto him in a mystical manner, d 1 Cor. 15 13.20.23. etc. 1 Thes 4.14. shall be raised with him in their appointed time, by reason of that union which is between him and them. But the wicked, they shall rise by the terrible and dreadful e john 5.28.29. 1 Cor. 15.52. voice of Christ their judge, summoning them to make their appearance before him, that sentence may be pronounced against them, like as when a Malefactor is brought out of the jail to the Bar that he may receive his deserved doom, and be hastened to his execution. Again, the godly they shall come out of their graves, wherein they have been a long time held as prisoners and captives under death f 1 Cor. 15 54.55. ; they shall come forth with great joy and triumph, looking up unto their blessed Saviour, whom they have so long expected and desired g Rom. 8.23 Luke 21.28 Reu. 22.20 . Oh what a comfort and refreshing h Act. 3.19 shall this be unto them? who can express it? But the wicked on the contrary, they shall start up like men scared, and suddenly affrighted, waking out of some fearful dream (but it shall be no dream.) As soon as they begin to look out of their graves, they shall behold the heavens on a flaming i 2 Thes. 1.8. 2 Pet. 3.12 fire round about them, and Christ as a mighty GOD, and a most severe and dreadful judge, with a fiery eye, and a frowning countenance, looking down upon them from above, even out of that great Throne k Mat. 25.31. , which shall have streams of fire issuing out from it on every side l Dan. 7.9.10. , so that they shall be amazed, and even at their wit's end m Mat. 24.30 , at the very appearance of him, and wish with all their hearts that the very hills and Mountains would fall upon them, and n Reu. 6.16 cover them from his presence, and from the fierceness of his wrath, which shall seize upon them in most o Luke 19.27 fearful manner. Furthermore, (that it may yet appear how great a difference there shall be between them in that day) the godly shall rise in a glorious manner, being made incorruptible p 1 Cor. 15 42.43.44.49. , spiritual, heavenly, full of beauty, and excellency (far above that we are able to conceive or think) their bodies (which have lain in the dust, and been subject to much baseness q john 11.39. job 10.21 22. & 17.14.16. and loathsomeness) being now even like unto the glorious body of Christ r 1 Cor. 15 49. Phil. 3.21. 1 john 3.2 himself, unto whom then they shall be made conformable, shining as the Stars s Dan. 12.3 ; yea, as the t Mat. 13.45. Sun in brightness for ever and ever. The wicked on the other side, shall rise in a most base and ignominious manner, even to shame and perpetual contempt v Dan. 12.2 : They that have had the greatest beauty and excellency here (being not inferior to proud and aspiring Absalon, like unto whom in all Israel there was not any for goodly feature: from the sole of the foot unto the crown of the head there being no x 2 Sam. 14 25. blemish in him,) shall there be abhorred of GOD y Isa. 66.24. ; and of all his Saints and Angels. There can be no greater deformity then that wherewith their bodies shall then be covered, that they may be loathed of all, yea, of their own selves, being altogether disfigured with the ugly Image of Satan, so that they shall not be able to lift up their heads for shame, but stand like z Gen. 4.6. Cain (or worse) with flaited, hellish, and dejected countenances, even confounded in themselves, and wishing that they were cast presently into the darkest corner of Hell, where they might not behold themselves, much less either see or be seen of others, especially of those bright eyes of that glorious judge, who is so * Hab. 1.13 pure, that he cannot behold evil without great detestation. Oh who is able to conceive the shame and confusion with which they shall then even wholly be overwhelmed? And finally, whereas the godly shall be made partakers of everlasting life a Ioh 5.29 Rom. 2.7. and happiness, in the highest heavens, they shall be delivered up to everlasting death and condemnation b Mat. 25.46 Psal. 11.6 reve. 21.8 in the lowest part of hell, where they shall be tortured with endless and unspeakable torments for evermore, being banished for ever from the blessed and comfortable c 2 Thes. 1 9 presence of the lord Gracious Lord, teach me daily more seriously to consider with myself of the great difference that shall be between thy children and those that are servants to Satan and corruption: Seeing that the one shall be raised up in the last day to that joy, glory, and happiness which is unspeakable; the other to end less wretchedness and misery. O therefore let me be stirred up to endeavour myself to have always a clear conscience towards d Act. 24 15 16 thee, and towards men, and to abound every day more and more in the works which thou hast appointed, e 1 Cor. 15 58 knowing that my labour shall not be in vain in thee. And never let me envy f Psal. 37.1 at the flourishing estate and vain supposed felicity of the wicked in this world, seeing the day is coming and hasteneth on a pace g 1. Pet. 4.7 , wherein they shall be clothed with shame and dishonour, and cast out of thy presence for evermore, receiving according to that which they have done in their bodies g 1. Pet. 4.7 , and eating the fruit of their own ways h 2 Cor. 5.10 , which they shall find to be more bitter than death itself; i Isai. 3.9.11 howsoever now the remembrance of these things) by reason of their ignorance k 1 Pet. 3.5 , blockishness, and cursed infidelity) doth little or nothing at all affect or move them. The second death, how exceeding fearful and dreadful it is. MANY, eye the first death much, and are flaited and almost affrighted at the sight, yea, at the thought of it; it striketh a fear and a terror into them. But they look but seldom, and scarce with half an eye upon the second death a reve. 21 8 which gins where the other ends, and is far more dreadful to all those that have a right discerning and true apprehension of it. Alas, that, is nothing to this, no more to be compared to it, than a little spark to a great flame, or a small drop of water to the whole wide and vast Ocean. For the first is of the body only; the second both of the body and soul. b Math. 10 28 The one for a short time; the other without all end of time, of as long continuance as eternity c Math. 25 41.46 itself. The one, oft-times, not so grievous as the fits and pangs of many diseases; the other more dolorous and painful than all the sicknesses and diseases in the world, though they were all laid together upon one man. In brief, the one is finite, and such as many have sustained d 1 Sam. 15.32 with undaunted courage and resolution; the other infinite and unsupportable, not able to be borne or endured of any creature without hellish misery. Wilt thou behold the ghastly face of this dreadful enemy yet more clearly and fully discovered unto thee? Hear then, hearken, and believe that which the word of GOD (which shall endure for ever e 1 Pet. 1.25 ) hath sealed, and which all must believe that will not show themselves to be no better than the heathen, and infidels. In this second death, first there is a separation of the soul, yea of the whole men, both soul and body, from the gracious presence f 2 Thes. 1.1 of that glorious God, without whom there can be no true blessedness; an utter separation and banishment from him g Math. 7.23. & 13.41. & 25.41 , and from that joyful and comfortable society and fellowship of all his elect Saints and Angels; a final deprivation of all hope of entrance into that heavenly Canaan, that new and celestial jerusalem, the City of the everliving God, of which so glorious things are spoken; and the loss whereof will not less vex & torment the soul of the damned (as that ancient and golden-mouthed Father not vainly supposed) then all the pains and tortures of hell. Chrysost. Be sides this, there shall be pains and torments unspeakable, unsufferable, such as may damp the stoutest champion, and the most iron-hearted wretch in the world, if he shall but enter once into a serious & through consideration of them; if either he regard the place of torment where that woeful misery is to be endured; the pangs and tortures themselves; the company with whom they are to remain in the suffering and enduring of them; Or lastly, the time which they shall endure them. Every one of them is enough to strike a terror into a man, and to make his heart to quake to think of them. i Esai. 14.9. & 34.9.10 reve. 1.18 & 20.13.14 1 First, the place is no other than that deep prison, h Deut. 32 22 Pro. 7.27. and dark dungeon of God's wrath appointed for the execution of his dreadful vengeance upon all the children of disobedience, who would not know him, nor what should be their happiness; that dark and dismal place, that burning lake, that fiery furnace i Mat. 13.15 , and bottomless gulf of deep despair, the pit of hell, that Tophet prepared of old for them, large and deep (according to that k Isai. 30.50 prophetical description thereof,) in brief, a place of unspeakable horror and terror, worse than the most stinking prison, or the most loathsome dungeon in the world (there is no comparison:) the sight, yea, the very thought of it, were enough to flait a man. The darkness of Egypt was fearful, and full of amazement and astonishment, yet nothing to this. The pains and torments there to be endured, are shadowed out unto us in Scripture by l Psal. 11.6 Mat. 13.42 & 25.41 fire and brimstone, storm and tempest, the worm that never dieth m Esai. 66.24 Mark. 9.46 , chains of darkness n 2 Pet. 2 4 judde. 1 Mat. 8.12. & 22.13 , and blackness of darkness. All fearful and dismal names, and yet but semblances (it may be) and shadows of those more grievous tortures, and that dreadful and hellish misery, which then shall be powered out both upon their bodies and upon their souls, and all the several parts and members thereof in unspeakable and most woeful manner. Tribulation o Rom. 2.9 , anguish, and great astonishment shall seize upon every one of them, and wholly possess them, yea, swallow them up, as it were, with open mouth. They shall have a hell without them, and a hell also within them, even their own guilty and disquieted consciences, which like a worm p Mark. 9.44. shall continually lie gnawing upon their souls, with the remembrance of their fearful sins passed, the great blessedness & glory, which through their folly they have deprived themselves of, and the extreme woe and misery into which they are plunged; yea, their consciences shall wound them in most fearful manner; the nips and pangs thereof shall be worse than the bitings of the venomous Cockatrice, or the stingings of the poisonous Scorpion; yea, worse than death itself. We see how that even in this life, when the Lord sometimes doth but suffer that worm to begin to nible q Pro. 18.14. Esa. 57.20.21. at the souls and consciences of wicked men, and cause them but as it were, a far off, to behold the flashings of hell fire, with which afterwards they shall be tormented for ever, that even this which is but the beginning and forerunner of their sorrows, doth make them to roar out; nay, drive some of them to make away themselves, either by hanging their own selves (as that great politician r 2 Sam. 17 23. Achitophel, and that covetous and treacherous s Matt. 27.5. judas did,) or by drowning themselves, or cutting their own throats, as others have done, (as we have known by woeful experience.) Oh then, how woeful and how grievous shall it be unto them when that worm of conscience shall continually lie fretting upon them, and biting in sunder, as it were, their very heartstrings; nay, gnawing in most fearful manner upon the most inward & tenderest parts of their souls, while they shall lie frying in the fiery flames, being scorched on every side with the fury of God's wrathful indignation which then shall be kindled against them, and burn to the bottom of hell. Then doubtless, they shall desire to die, but death shall fly far from them. They shall curse and ban themselves, and those that were companions with them in wickedness, by whose means a greater measure of wrath is powered out upon them; they shall cry out against their former sottishness and security, that they had no more care to keep themselves from coming into that place of torment t Luk. 16.28.29. , though they were so oft admonished and forewarned of it by others, who had more pity of them then themselves. O the remembrance hereof, it will cut their hearts, it will pierce their souls, it will cause them to curse themselves, and the day and hour wherein they were borne, & the time wherein they forsook GOD, and gave themselves over to the service of sin and Satan; yea, it will cause and constrain them to cry shame upon themselves, and their folly and madness, in suffering themselves to be so deluded, so deceived through the deceitfulness of their crafty and deadly enemies, who now (when it is too late) they see in all those pleasing courses wherewith they delighted them, sought nothing but their utter ruin and overthrow. Never did v job 3. job (in that weakness and extremity of his) curse the day of his birth, as they then will the day of their birth and entrance into the world; nay, as they shall the time wherein they lived in the world, and wherein they gave themselves to the service and slavery of sin and Satan, (who hath now rewarded them x Rom. 6.23. to the full) as they were oft before told that he should, except they looked to themselves in time, and (shaking off all society and fellowship with him) returned willingly, speedily and unfeignedly unto the Lord. O the depth of misery, which then shall come upon them! Their countenances shall wax pale and wan, their hearts fail them, and their souls even rend in pieces with horror and amazement, whiles they shall lie howling, crying, and shrieking, and in vain pouring out their mournful complaints: Woe, woe is us y Esa. 33.14 ; Who is able to dwell with this devouring fire? Who is able to endure these fearful burnings? But to lead thee on yet further to the viewing of their companions, with whom they shall abide in that place, in those torments. Their company what shall it be? None but hellish ghosts and damned creatures like themselves, who as it were so many furies, and barking hellhounds, appearing each to other in dreadful apparition, shall send forth such fearful and hideous noises, such horrible outcries, such yell and roar, as shall make that hollow vault (that infernal prison) to shake, and their hearts to tremble within them; yea, even to break in sunder with the most dreadful apprehension of their hellish misery. If the very appearance but of one of those damned spirits (as we have heard of some) is sufficient to affright a man, and to scare him out of his wits: Oh then, how fearful, how woeful will their estate be, when they shall be thrust into the company of Satan, and constrained to dwell, remain, and to lodge, as it were, with him, and the rest of that hellish crew and viperous brood, even all the Devils, reprobate, and forlorn wretches, the number of whom cannot be numbered z Mar. 5.9. ? To this, add the time, how long they shall endure such woeful misery in that place of torment, even for ever, (a fearful word) for ever a Esa. 66.24. Matt. 25.41.46. 2 Thes. 1.9. ; without any intermission, any ease, or hope of recovery. It will not be for a year, a hundred, a thousand; no, nor a hundred thousand years that they shall endure those torments, but for ever; yea, for ever and ever. It swallows up my conceit when I think of it. If they might endure them but so many years as there be sands on the shore, Fishes in the Sea, Stars in the Firmament, or grass piles upon the ground, it were some comfort, though (God knows) very small, considering the grievousness of the torment in that time to be suffered; the bearing of which but one hour, one moment, were enough to quail the greatest Champion that ever was, and to damp the stoutest courage in the world, though never so hardy; but yet when so many thousands of years and ages are passed over, their torments (alas) shall be as fresh and new to begin as ever they were, and as far from an ending as at the first beginning. For there shall be no end of them, but as long as the Sun and Moon lasteth, as long as Heaven and Hell lasteth; yea, as long as God is God, so long shall they endure those torments in that woeful place of woe and torment. If it were not for hope (we say) the heart would break. Sure then, their hearts may break well enough, for they shall be out of all hope,: It will be in vain for them ever to look for any ease, any comfort, any succour; no, not for the least refreshing that may be, were it but so much as that rich glutton b Luke 16. desired, even one small drop of water to cool their tongues, which together with all the parts of their bodies and faculties of their souls shall be for ever tormented in that flame. Though they should never cease crying, c Matt. 7.22 Lord, Lord, they could not obtain it at his hands, for then the Lord will be deaf to them d Prou. 1.28. , he will not hear them, he will not be entreated of them. Nay, I say yet more; though e Ezek. 14.20 Noah, job, Daniel, yea, all the Saints and Angels in Heaven should with one consent put up their earnest suit, and make continual supplication for them, (which notwithstanding they shall be far from, rather f Psa. 58.10 & 64.9. rejoicing in the vengeance that shall be powered out upon them for evermore) yet if it could be imagined they might be brought to do this for them, they should nothing prevail for the release or recovery, no not for the mitigating of the pains of some one of them, in the least manner: but after thousands thousands years gone and passed, they should still lie frying in that g Mat. 13.42 fiery furnace, that scorching fire (in comparison of which our fire is but a painted fire, yea, no fire) lie bound and fettered hand and foot h Mat. 22.13 , having the flames of Gods wrathful indignation scorching their souls, & the worm of conscience lie gnawing upon their consciences for evermore; their pangs, horror, and misery rather increasing every day, and growing to greater extremities, than any wise abating or diminishing in any manner. Yea, so far shall any be from helping or succouring them in that woeful condition into which they shall be plunged, that there shall be none to pity them, or to take any compassion of them. If children should cry to their parents, who whiles they lived with them on earth were most tenderhearted towards them (being no less affected with their miseries then with their own) yet than they should be moved with no pity, towards them. And if Parents should make their moan unto their Children, they would not once be touched with it, they would not regard it; for i 1 Cor. 15 24.44. nature and all natural affection shall then be quite taken away; there shall either be no knowledge, or at lest no respect of Parents, Children, Brethren, Sisters, Kindred, Friends or Acquaintance, (as they are such) but God's glory shall be only eyed and regarded of all those that shall be made partakers of his glory in the heavens. They shall have no pity, no compassion towards those, who though they were their friends in this world, and near unto them in many respects, yet now they see to be God's enemies k Luke 19 27. , such as having before cast him off, are now justly separated from him, and cast out of his presence for ever, and therefore not loved, but hated of him, and all that are his, who shall love only where he loveth, and hate where he hateth: yea, so far shall any be from pitying them, or being affected with their misery, that they shall be laughed at on all hands. God shall laugh them to scorn l Psal. 2.4. Prou. 1. 2● , and have them in exceeding derision. The Angels shall laugh at them. All the Saints shall laugh at them, and m Psal. 58 10 rejoice in their misery, seeing the glory of God's justice shining forth in their just and deserved condemnation. O fearful and lamentable estate and condition! And if it be so fearful to hear of these things which shall befall the wicked, when they shall be cast into that place of torment, provided them in the congregation of the dead and damned; how dreadful shall it be for ever to endure them? Tremble at this, O ye careless and secure ones. Be amazed and astonished at the very remembrance of it O ye profane and ungodly wretches, that live and wallow in your lewd and sinful courses, blasphemies, profanations of the Sabbath, contempt of God's ordinances, adulteries, uncleanness, or any other wickedness whatsoever unrepented of. Tremble and be amazed at it, as doubtless ye would, if your eyes were not blinded by the deceitfulness of Sin n Heb. 3.13. , and your hearts hardened through the suggestions of Satan, and your souls even bewitched and enchanted by that evil Spirit, which driveth you on headlong to that woeful place of endless torments, never letting you see the dreadfulness of it, till you be plunged so deep into it, that there is no hope for you of any recovery out of it. What will you do when these things shall come upon you, yea, like a raging Sea, with great violence rush in upon you to your everlasting confusion? Of all the wonders in the world, this (me thinks) is the most strange and wonderful, that men (men otherwise of wisdom and understanding,) knowing & considering with themselves (as the word teacheth) that there are such things provided & prepared for the wicked and impenitent, live notwithstanding as if they never feared any such matter, but boldly and most presumptuously continue in their former ungodly ways, delighting in sin, and wickedness, and even hastening forward unto that place, unto those torments, the very thought of the enduring of the least of which (if it were but but for one hour,) were enough to amaze and astonish a man, and to make his heart to quake within him for the greatness of the horror thereof. Hear, O ye foolish, ye of stiff necks and stony hearts; how long will you be thus blinded? how long shall your own wicked hearts deceive you o jer. 17.9. ? how long will you suffer yourselves to be deluded by Satan that deadly enemy of yours, who seeks to make a prey of you for ever? how long will you suffer yourselves to be so bewitched and enchanted by that envious p Mat. 13.28. and malicious Spirit, that the remembrance of these things should no more move you, no more affect you, work no more upon you than it doth? Are you afraid of the first death, and do you not much more fear this second death, which of all evils is the most fearful, the most dreadful; yea, in comparison of which the other is scarce a shadow of death, though a forerunner of it, and a way and entrance unto it, to those that shall perish? Doth that astonish you, and shall not this much more? Are you so secure, so stupid, so senseless? Assuredly, a very strange thing it seems unto me, (and may well be so esteemed of all that consider of it,) how profane, graceless, and ungodly persons, when they hear, or when they think of these things, should not be terrified and affrighted with them, and drawn with the fear and dread thereof from all their wicked and sinful courses, which heretofore they have lived in; the Swearer from his oaths and blasphemies, with which he hath pierced the heavens, the Drunkard from his drunkenness, (that brutish and sottish vice,) the Profaner of the Sabbath from his profanations thereof; the filthy person from his filthiness and uncleanness, and shameful pollutions; the covetous Usurer and Oppressor, from their covetousness, usury, and oppression of their poor Brethren and neighbours, among whom God hath placed them, to the very q Deut. 5.11. Mat. 26.11 end that they should show mercy and compassion unto them, and not cruelty and rigour: in a word, every impenitent sinner, from the sin and wickedness wherein they have heretofore lived and delighted, and continued from time to time, carelessly, securely, boldly, and presumptuously, as if all were well, as if there were no cause of fear, no such danger imminent or ensuing, and ready every moment to seize upon them (for nothing holds them up from falling into the depth of that bottomless gulf, but only the small twine-thread of their fading and uncertain life, which is ready to be cut in sunder every minute, every breathing while. O that they were wise r Deut. 32 29. Hosea 14.10. to understand and consider of these things! O merciful LORD, (who art mighty in power, and terrible in thy judgements,) do thou strike their hearts with the horror of thy wrath and vengeance to come. Smite their souls, that they may tremble before thee, and fall down groveling upon the earth in the apprehension of the greatness of their misery that is to come upon them, if they do not convert and turn unto thee. Those that will not be drawn with the cords of thy mercy, patience, and long-sufferance to come unto thee by true and unfeigned repentance, do thou even constrain and compel them, and drive them forward with that rod of iron, even with the fear of thy most fearful and yet most just and righteous judgements. O do thou give them a sight of that dreadful and woeful misery, which shall overwhelm the wicked for ever. Let them have a right discerning and a true apprehension of it: Let them believe it, and tremble at it, and be drawn thereby to turn out of all the ways of wickedness, wherein heretofore they have walked, being deceived with the deceitfulness of sin and Satan: let them so fear it, that they may prevent it, fly from it, and be preserved from perishing in that great deluge with the world of the wicked, whom thou hast ordained s Rom. 9.22 of old unto destruction, and everlasting confusion. And raise up the heart of thy servant both now and always, I humbly entreat thee, to unfeigned thankfulness, for that thou hast in some measure touched my heart with the consideration of thy judgements prepared for the wicked, and hast caused the fear and dread of them to be t 2 Pet. 3.15 salvation unto me, humbling me thereby, and causing me to stand in awe of thee, and to fly from the wrath and vengeance to come, unto the throne of thy grace and mercy in Christ jesus my Saviour and Redeemer, who hath given himself to death for me, to free and deliver me from that death and hell. O do thou continue still good and gracious unto me: Let thy mercy and unspeakable kindness so freely vouchsafed unto me in thy beloved Son, be the principal motive even to force and constrain me to hate all sin, and to abandon all iniquity; but let me also be mindful of thy dreadful judgements to be inflicted, yea, powered forth upon them that forget thee v Psal. 9.17 , and are disobedient x 2 Thes. 7.8. unto thee, and to that heavenly voice of y Heb. 3.7.8. thine, whereby thou daily callest them (if they had ears to hear, or hearts to understand:) let me always fear the second death, which is the death both of the body and soul, more than the first death, which is the end of this short and transitory life: and yet let me live so, as I may not be in a slavish fear of either; not of the first death, because it shall be no death unto me, but an end of my misery, and wretchedness, unto which I am, and shall be continually subject as long as I live in this valley of tears, this place of mourning, as one in exile and banishment out of his own Country; and a means of entrance into life and glory, even of that glory which is endless and unspeakable: Not of the second death, because through the riches of thy grace and mercy, I am already passed from it z joh. 5.24 & 8.51. Rom. 8.1. Eph. 2.5.6. ; that so howsoever it may show itself unto me in a dreadful shape, yet it shall never have power over me, being one of thy redeemed ones, to whom death a 1 Cor. 15.57. and Hell itself is subject. The blessedness of the life to come, how much to be desired. THE life present how sweet doth it seem unto men? how much desired is it of the most? how loath are men to part with it? what will they not do that they may preserve it? But the life to come, how little is it affected of the greater sort? how faintly desired? how willingly parted with for every sinful lust, every fruitless vanity, the deceitful pleasures and transitory profits and commodities of this fading and perishing world! Oh the sottishness and brutishness of men (the wicked offspring of profane Esau a Gen. 25.35 Heb. 12.16 ) that for a small portion of these temporal things, sell away all their hopes unto that eternal inheritance, those glorious possessions in that heavenly Canaan; and so that they may enjoy the life present according unto their own desires, altogether neglect the life to come, and show themselves to be every way regardless of it. How hath the world blinded them? How hath Satan bewitched them? And who doth not even wonder at them and at the strangeness of their folly and simplicity herein, or rather dotage and extreme madness? For what comparison is there between this life and that which is to come? This, is an earthly life b 2 Cor. 5.1.2 1 Cor. 15.48.49 , that a heavenly. This life, is frail, momentary, (we have no certainty, no assurance of it c james 4.14 one hour one minute:) that, everlasting d 1 Pet. 1.4 , and subject to no change. This sinful e job. 14.4. & 15.16 , and full of much impurity and manifold pollutions: that, free from all kind of contagion f Ephe. 5.27 and impurity whatsoever. This, painful g job. 14.1 Mat. 6.34. , and full of grief, sorrows, and much misery and wretchedness; every day brings his grief, his burden; grief of body, of mind, from within us, without us, and on every side of us. Who is there that complains not of it? That, not only void of all grief, sorrow, anguish and misery h Isai. 25.8 (all tears being clean wiped away, and the days of mourning past and gone) but also abounding with all kind of joy, spiritual delight, heavenly solace, and endless and unspeakable bliss and happiness. The night is gone, the Suns risen, all darkness scattered, and the former bitterness swallowed up with the sweetness of that heavenly Manna, wherewith the Saints are continually refreshed, enjoying pleasures i Psal. 16.11 at the right hand of God for evermore. Shall I set before thee more evidently the brightness of that glory, and the full and absolute perfection of the blessedness of that immortal and never fading life of the Saints of God in that glorious kingdom prepared for them? Oh that we had ears to hear it, eyes to see it, minds to understand it, and hearts duly and rightly to consider of it. Doubtless, it would even ravish our hearts and souls, and draw us, as it were, out of ourselves, and above ourselves. It would raise up our affections, and make us far more heavenly affected than we are, or use to be; yea it would cause us to grow weary of this world, and to aspire and long after that life of the Saints in glory; nay, even to sigh k Rom. 8.23 2 Cor. 5.2 4.8 and breath after it uncessantly with restless desires. For, what is there in this heavenly life, which may not even wholly affect us, and cause us to sigh earnestly and continually after it? First, the place in which they that have attained unto it do live, is most glorious and excellent; the City of the great God, the royal palace of the glorious king of heaven and earth, where there are innumerable l joh. 14.2 mansions prepared for many thousands of elect men and Angels; yea, it is the glittering chamber of presence where the king of glory and majesty sits continually in his throne, accompanied and attended with the whole court of heaven. A paradise of pleasures having streams of water of life flowing in every place of it, and trees of life, ever budding, ever blossoming in it (that earthly Paradise m Gen. 2. , was but a shadow of it, and there was no meeter place in earth to shadow it out unto us then that, where nothing was wanting that might be for the delight and refreshing of the inhabitants thereof.) The streets, gates, yea, the whole frame and and building thereof are nothing but gold, pearl and precious stones, shining and glittering in most glorious manner: Nay, so great is the glory and excellency thereof, that all the purest and finest gold (if it were that of Ophir) the choicest pearl, and the most costly and precious stones in the world are nothing in comparison of it, scarce so much as a show or a resemblance of it. For it pleaseth the Divine spirit by speeches borrowed from things which are most glorious in the eyes of men, & of greatest esteem in the world, to shadow out the glory of that place unto us, and to teach us thereby in this our frailty, in some sort to conceive of those excellencies which no man is able fully to conceive or to apprehend. The glory of that heavenly City far passeth and surmounteth all such terrene and earthly things, though never so highly accounted of amongst men. And no marvel, for if the suburbs, * Psal. 19.1 as it were, of that City be so specious and goodly to behold (as our eyes are daily witnesses) what then must the City itself needs be? If the works n job. 37.14 of God which we see here below be so wonderful and glorious (as who is there that knoweth any thing that doth not admire and and wonder at them?) what then shall we think of those that we see not * 2 Cor. 4.18 , and which shall be revealed only unto the Saints and Angels in the highest heavens, in that heavenly mansion where the Lord dwelleth * Psal. 103 19 in majesty and glory? what should I say? Gloririous things are spoken of thee, O thou City of God o Psal. 87.3 . If the Psalmist might say that truly of that earthly jerusalem, how much more may it be said of that heavenly jerusalem, unto which the other (though a type and figure of it) was nothing comparable? Wonderful and glorious things are spoken of it; and yet all that hath been or can be spoken thereof, is not the one half of that glory and excellency which the Saints shall find there, when they are once entered into it. For, as the Queen of Sheba said when she saw Solomans' Court p 1 Kings 10.5.7 ; so, and much more shall they say when with their eyes they shall behold the Court of heaven, where a greater than Solomon (even the great God of the whole world) shall sit in his throne having thousands thousands ministering unto him q Dan. 7.10 , and ten thousand thousands of glorious creatures, men and Angels waiting and attending upon him. They shall acknowledge (and account themselves happy in the acknowledgement of it) that the report which they heard thereof, with their ears, whiles they lived here on earth, as it were strangers * Heb. 11.13 and a far off, was inferior unto that which they now see with their eyes, and rejoice whiles they see it with joy that cannot be uttered. O how amiable are thy dwelling places, O Lord of hosts r Psal. 84.1 ? Thus did the Prophet admire at the glory of the Tabernacle of the Lord at jerusalem. How much more may we in a holy admiration and wonderment, speak the same concerning that glorious and heavenly Palace, which is prepared for the Saints in the heaven of heavens? O how amiable, how excellent and glorious is that celestial mansion, the kingdom of glory, in the which the Lord of glory dwelleth in the fullness of his glory and majesty. There is no night, no darkness in it, but the brightness and glory of the Lord doth shine continually most gloriously in it, yea, far more brightly than the Sun, when it is in his greatest strength. Nay the glory and shining beauty thereof is so great, that the resplendent brightness thereof doth as far excel the brightness of the Sun and Moon, as they do exceed a little candle at noon day. Our eyes (as now they are) were not able to behold one glimpse thereof s Exod. 40 34.35 , but would be dazzled presently, and overcome with the shine and lustre of it. We cannot see it and live. We see how glorious the outward Court * job. 37.18 or pavement of it is, in which those celestial bodies, as so many burning lamps t job. 38.7 Psal. 148.3 do shine forth most clearly with their glittering and radiant beams, and cause the diligent beholder to stand u job. 137 14 as one amazed, wondering at the skill and marvelous wisdom of the maker of so curious and glorious a workmanship, so excellently adorned and garnished in every part, more than if it were all sprinkled with the most bright shining pearls or precious stones that the whole earth can afford: how much more glorious then, (think you must the inward Court needs be? Besides, who is able to consider how large and spacious that glorious mansion is? who can meet out the breadth, the length, or compass of that heavenly City? If one star (as the learned do in that Art affirm) be many times greater than the whole earth, what is the firmament, in which there are so many stars, and some of them of greater magnitude? and if the firmament be so large, what (may we think) is the heaven of heavens, which compasseth in all the other as a lesser circle? It passeth man's understanding, both for glory, and greatness. O how blessed and happy are they that shall be Citizens of such a Kingdom, that shall live in such a glorious place for evermore, even in the presence chamber of the Lord of glory. Assuredly, this world is but a barren wilderness, a wearisome prison, yea, a dark dungeon, in comparison of it. But to give thee yet a further view of that heavenly life. As the place where they shall live is wonderful glorious; so the company with whom they shall live in that place, is no less glorious, yea, far above it. It doth exceed it by many degrees. For what company shall they have there? Even the blessed society of all the Saints, patriarchs, Prophets, Apostles, Martyrs, Adam, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Isaak, jacob, job, David, Daniel, etc. x Heb. 11. & 12.22 Even all those worthies and renowned ones that have been from the beginning of the world to this present, or shall be to the end thereof; the beholding of some one of whom is greatly desired of us, and would wonderfully content us. They shall be companions of Princes; yea, the least and meanest of their company shall be greater than the greatest Prince in this world, (for they shall all be crowned Kings * reve. 1.6 and triumphant Emperors, set upon heavenly thrones y Ephe. 2.6 reve. 2.26 27. & 3.21 .) These are their familiars and companions; and with these, together with that innumerable multitude of the elect and chosen Angels, (those celestial and heavenly creatures) shall they continually live and converse, each joying and delighting in the company and society of the other, as being partakers of the same glory; and truly loving and entirely affecting one another, more than ever jonathan did David (whose love notwithstanding was wonderful z 2 Sam. 1.26 hardly to be patterned.) Being knit among themselves by the band of one spirit into a holy communion, they shall have as it were one soul, willing the same things affecting the same things, and re, ioycing mutually and continually in him, who is the fountain of all their joy, glory, and happiness. The joy of one shall be the joy of all, and the glory of one, the glory of all. Nay, (which is far far greater matter) and the thought whereof may even ravish our souls) they shall enjoy the sweet and heavenly company of their blessed Saviour and Redeemer a joh. 12.26. & 17.24 , Christ jesus, the Prince of peace b Isa. 9.6. 1 Tim 6.15 , the King of glory, yea, the glory of heaven and earth; the image of his Father c Coloss. 1 15 Heb. 1.3. john 1.9. , in whom those things which are invisible are seen; the brightness of the everlasting light, the undefiled mirror of the majesty of God; the desire of all nations * Haggai. 2.8 , whose name is Wonderful, whose power unspeakable; the beholding of whom (even whiles he was here on earth in the state of his frailty and humility) made good old Simeon to rejoice exceedingly d Luke 2.28 , and would have gladded the hearts of many Kings and Prophets e Math. 13 16.17 that were before him, who desired and longed after this, and would have accounted themselves happy in the enjoying of it. They shall enjoy his company, whom the Angels do reverence and adore f Heb. 1.6. Psal. 97.7. , and the very sight and appearance of whom will be an exceeding refreshing * Act. 3.19 unto them, yea, cause their hearts to spring within them, g Luke 1.41 as the babe did in Elizabeth's womb at the salutation of the blessed Virgin. Oh how shall their hearts be ravished with joy, when they shall see the Lord of the family, the heir of the whole world, the Prince of glory, clothed with their nature, c Luke 12.37. & 13.29 and sitting down at the same table with them, and speaking most sweet and comfortable words unto them. Eat d Can. 5.1 , O friends; drink, and make you merry, O well-beloved. They shall have fellowship, familiarity & acquaintance with him, (as one brother with another e Mat. 12.49. Hebr. 2.11 ) to their unspeakable comfort, the very consideration whereof, makes their righteous souls now in the time of their absence * 2 Cor. 5.6. from him to cry out as Paul did f Phil. 1.23. , I desire to be dissolved and to be with Christ, for that is best of all. And with the Spouse in the Canticles, g Cant. 8.14. O my well-beloved, flee away, and be like unto the Roe, or to the young Hart, upon the Mountains of spices: and with the Spirit and the Bride in the Revelations, h Revel. 22 7.20. Come, come Lord jesus, come quickly. Oh that we may once see thy face, and behold that brightness of thine, who art so wonderful in thy Saints and redeemed ones. Here is their hope, their joy, and their rejoicing. And, with him they shall enjoy the gracious and most comfortable presence of the blessed and glorious Spirit, yea, of the Father of Spirits i Heb. 12.9 , even the whole Trinity, that great and glorious God, the splendour and brightness of whose Majesty is so great, that the eye of no mortal creature k 1 Tim. 6 16 now, were able to behold the same: Hence, when Moses (not thoroughly weighing his own weakness) besought the Lord to see his glory, he received this answer from the Lord l Exod. 33.18.20. , Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me and live. But they then shall see his face, that is, the fullness of his glory, as far as the nature of man is able to comprehend the same (for neither man, nor any creature else can perfectly discern his whole nature; for that is infinite, they finite and limited with certain bonds which they cannot pass.) They shall see him, not as in a glass m 1 Cor. 13.12. , (as they do in the time of this life here upon earth) darkly, obscurely, and as it were a far off; but even as he is n 1 joh. 3.2. : yea, they shall have his name written upon their foreheads o Revel. 3.12. & 22.44 ; they shall live with him in that glorious mansion, having (as far as their nature is capable) fellowship and communion with him, rejoicing in his presence with joy unspeakable and glorious; nay, p Revel. 3.20. joh. 14.23 dining and supping with him, in a manner, at that heavenly table, being continually fed with that pleasant Manna, the food of Angels; and refreshed with those pure waters which flow uncessantly from the throne of God; wondering at the glory, the might, & Majesty of their Creator; yea, wondering and admiring at their own blessedness, which is far above that the heart of man q 1 Cor. 2 9 now is able to conceive, or the tongue to express. Our understandings are too shallow to comprehend these things. It is a light which our dim and weak eyes are not able to behold without dazzling. All earthly things are but toys and trifles, and dreams of imaginary fancies, compared thereunto, yea, vain vanities r Eccl. 1.1. . The Queen of Sheba s 1 Kin. 10 8 counted them happy that might stand ever in the presence of king Solomon: Oh then, how blessed and happy are they that stand continually in the presence of that glorious God, seeing and admiring his wisdom, his glory, and unspeakable Majesty; yea, living, reigning, and triumphing with him in fullness of joy and happiness for evermore? who doth not wonder at their blessedness? If Peter was so ravished when he saw Christ in his transfiguration on the Mount, with those two worthees of his, Moses and Elias attending upon him, that he forgot his home, his wife, and family, breaking forth into that speech, Master, it is good for us to be here; t Mat. 17.4 Let's make this our mansion place, Let us here build us Tents and Tabernacles to dwell in: How much more must all the Saints needs rejoice, yea be even swallowed up with joy and admiration, when they shall behold the divine and glorious Majesty of the Son of God; yea, of the whole Trinity, the great God of Heaven and Earth? not only have a glance or glimpse of his glory, but fully behold it, as much as the nature of man is able? when they shall enjoy the presence of that glorious Majesty; when they shall have such heavenly company and society, even the company and society of God himself (the Father of lights v jam. 1.17 ) of Christ jesus their Saviour, of the Holy Ghost their comforter, of all the Saints and Angels their fellow-brethrens x Revel. 22 9 , yea of the whole Court of Heaven, who together with them make up one family y Ephes. 3.15. ? What a life is this? Who doth not admire at it? What a change is this from the estate wherein before they were? For whiles they continued here upon earth as Pilgrims and Strangers z Heb. 11.13. from their own Country, they were constrained to live amongst the wicked of all sorts, Satan's imps, children of belial a judg. 19.22. , who did continually vex & molest them b Prou 6.12.14. 2 Pet. 2.8. with their profane and ungodly courses, being (as the Canaanites were to the Israelites) pricks in their sides, and thorns in their eyes, making their hearts to ache within them, and causing them to complain with the holy man of God d Psa. 120.5. Woe is me that I dwell in Meshec, and that I have my habitation among the tents of Kedar: Or with that other who was led by the same spirit e jer. 9.2.20 Oh that I had in the Wilderness a cottage of wayfaring men, that I might leave this people, this naughty and crooked generation * Phi. 2.15 , and be gone far off from them. Oh, that I might once leave this dry & barren wilderness, wherein there be so many cruel and savage beasts on every side, Lions f Nahu. 2.11. Psal. 22.13 2 Tim. 4.17. , Tigers, Wolves g Mat. 10.16. , Foxes h Luke 13.32. , i Pro. 17.12. Bears, etc. which are ready to prey upon me and to devour me. Thus it was with them whiles they lived in this wretched and sinful world k 1 joh. 5.19. Mat. 13.41 1 Cor. 5.10. , where there is a mixture of all sorts. But now it is far otherwise with them, in stead of these, they are received into the company and fellowship of all the Saints and Angels, yea of God himself l Psal. 16.11. , in whose presence is fullness of joy, and at whose right hand there are pleasures for evermore. I might lead thee further, to a more full & distinct view of the manner of that blessed and glorious life which the Saints together in the presence of God shall enjoy in that place of glory & happiness, into which they are to be received; yea, I might even wilder both myself and thee, whiles I wander with thee in the variety and plenty of matter which here doth offer itself unto me, and put me to a stand knowing better where to begin then to end. To keep within some limits. The life which they shall there lead is marvelous glorious in regard of the exceeding glory which shall be put both upon their bodies and upon their souls. They shall be glorified in both. First, their bodies (to let pass the fruitless and uncertain speculations which some have broached with more curiosity of speech than evidence of truth) their bodies no doubt shall be very glorious, far above that our hearts now are able to conceive; yea, so glorious, that if now whiles we are in the flesh, we should see the glory of one of them (even the meanest of them as it shall then be) we could not be able to look upon it, but we would be amazed at the beholding thereof, as the Israelites were at the shine which was upon Moses face, when he came from the Mount, after that God had talked with him m Exod. 34 29.30. . For, they shall shine as the brightness of the Firmament, n Dan. 12.3. as the Stars, yea as the Sun itself o Mat. 13.43. , when it shineth in his greatest strength, and dazzleth the eyes of all the beholders; Nay, as the Sun of righteousness p Mal. 4.2 , CHRIST JESUS himself. We know how glorious his body was in his transfiguration upon the mount q Mat. 17.2 , when he gave those three Disciples but a glimpse of that resplendent brightness wherewith his body doth now shine most gloriously. Such as was then, yea, such as is now the glory of his body in the highest heavens, such then also shall theirs be. For their bodies shall be made conformable unto his s Phil. 3.21 . Now we are the sons of God (saith that beloved Disciple of Christ.) Now we t 1 john 3.2. are the sons of God, (even all the faithful) but yet it doth not appear what we shall be: But we know that when he shall appear, we shall be like him. They shall be made like unto him in glory, though not equal; They shall have the same kind of glory put upon them, though not the same degree, and measure. As their bodies were some-wayes conformable unto his (in his humility and abasement) in regard of their sufferings (as the Apostle speaks of himself v Gal. 6.17 , I bear in my body the marks of the Lord jesus;) and in regard of their manifold weaknesses and infirmities, whereunto they are now continually subject: so than they shall be made conformable unto his glorious body, being beautified with the same glory, and shining with the same brightness. Such as is the Head, such shall be the members. As the Sun giveth light unto all the other Lights of heaven: so shall CHRIST unto all the Saints, by communicating his own glory unto them. Or, as the Air being enlightened by the light of the Sun, is so transformed into the brightness thereof, that it seems not so much to be lightened, as to be light itself: so the bodies of the Saints being enlightened with the beams of the glory of GOD, and his Son Christ jesus, which shall shine unto them x joh. 16.22 and in them, shall be even transformed into the glorious Image of God, shining clearly with the brightness of that glory which is in the Son of God himself. When the glory of the Lord reflected upon Moses while he was with him certain days upon the Mount, it made his face to shine so brightly (as it was formerly said) that the people could not behold him, but were afraid to come near him for the glory of his y Exod. 34.33. 2 Cor. 3.7.13 countenance, so that he was feign to put a covering upon his face, and to vail himself, because otherwise they were not able to talk with him, and to hear that Message which he had unto them from the Lord: Oh then how glorious must not only their faces but their whole bodies be, who shall not be certain days or years, but continually in the presence of God in his heavenly Mountain, where he shall cause all the beams of that unspeakable brightness and glory of his to be ever reflecting, ever shining upon them! Adam's body, in his integrity, was glorious, and had a kind of Majesty upon it, so that all the Creatures stood in awe z Gen. 2.19 20. Psal. 8.6.7. and reverence of his presence: much more shall theirs, when living in that celestial Paradise, they shall be made like not that earthly, but that heavenly Adam, CHRIST JESUS, our blessed Lord and Saviour, whose Image they shall then a 1 Cor. 15 48.49. bear. The Sun (that glorious creature) would not so much dazzle our eyes if we should look full upon it in the greatest brightness thereof, as the bodies of every one; yea, of the least of the Saints would, if we should now behold them in the glory wherewith then they shall be invested in a wonderful manner. What should I say more? The tongue of man is not able to express the greatness of their glory. In brief then (to enlarge this no further:) whiles the bodies of the wicked (like loathsome carcases,) shall be vile, contemptible, inglorious, full of shame and confusion, yea, an abhorring to all flesh b Isa. 66.24 ; theirs shall shine in that brightness of glory which is unspeakable, and rather with comfort to be expected, then with words sufficiently expressed. They only who shall be made partakers of it shall know what it is. And as their bodies shall be made thus glorious, so, much more their souls. Nay, the glory hereof shall as much exceed the other, as the Soul itself doth excel the body (which they that are of any understanding will grant to be exceeding much.) Great, yea, marvelous great shall the glory thereof be. They shall be changed and renewed, and of a far more excellent condition, than they now are; changed, I say, not in regard of their essence, (for that shall remain the same, without any difference, any alteration; but in regard of their qualities, which shall be refined and much altered from that they were before; of a new stamp and impression as it were; enriched with new endowments, new ornaments; yea, the glory of them shall be wonderful, far above that we are able to think or conceive of them. More particularly: The Image of God c Eph. 4.24 Col. 3.10. and of Christ, which now through sin is much defaced in them, shall then shine forth in them, in most glorious manner. It is begun in them here d 2 Cor. 3.18. , it shall be perfected there. Their Understandings shall be enlightened to know whatsoever may make for their happiness. Whereas now they are overshadowed with much darkness, than they shall shine most clearly, most brightly. They shall understand perfectly, the whole Mystery of e 1 Tim. 3.16. Godliness. They shall know God; yea, see him as he is, even face to f 1 Cor. 13.12 face, as much as the nature of a finite and human creature is able to comprehend the glory of so infinite and so glorious a Majesty. There shall be no darkness of error or ignorance in them; for they shall live always in the light; yea, where he that is the Father of lights g jam. 1.17 , shall continually cast forth his shine upon them, illuminating and enlightening their understandings with the bright beams of his Spirit, and making them partakers of the rich treasuries of all heavenly wisdom, and true spiritual knowledge and understanding. Great was the knowledge which Adam had in Paradise before his fall, when as at the first view he was able to give unto every h Gen. 2.20 creature (both Fowls of the Air, and Beasts of the Field,) a name according unto their nature; but it was not so great as that which the Saints shall have in Heaven. I list not here to feed the curious Reader with nice speculations of things not revealed i Deut. 29 29. ; as whether the Saints in glory shall know one another, the father, the son; the mother, the daughter; one neighbour another, or one friend the other, etc. So much only I will say (having ground for it out of the Scriptures) that no manner of knowledge shall be wanting unto them, which may make for the increase of their happiness; neither shall the knowledge of this be wanting unto them if it will make them the more happy. But to proceed. Their Wills also shall be perfectly sanctified, so that they shall will only that which is good, that which God willeth, and not possibly be once moved or inclined unto that which is evil, that which GOD willeth not. They shall not only have a will not to sin, but also an impossibility of willing that which is sinful; otherwise than it was with Adam in his greatest perfection. Their Affections shall be rightly ordered and tempered; yea, in an excellent frame and harmony, without any unpleasing discord. They shall only affect that, love that, joy and delight in that which is pleasing and acceptable unto God, and making most for his glory; and so much the more joy and delight in it, as they shall know it to be more pleasing and delightsome unto him. Yea, they shall have that measure of holiness infused into them, both into their Wills and Affections, and all the faculties of their souls, that they shall be holy (according unto the capableness of their nature) even as God himself is holy, pure as he is pure, righteous as he is righteous. For, then is the time, (and not before as some foolish Heretics have fond dreamt) when the Church (that glorious Spouse of Christ) and every member thereof shall be without spot or wrinkle k Eph. 5.27 , without stain or blemish, as it becometh the undefiled Spouse of that heavenly Bridegroom, the lambs wife l Reu. 19.7 . Their souls shall be so purified, so purged with those clean waters which flow out of the Sanctuary, that they shall not only be free from all sin; but (which is more) not so much as once subject to the least sin, nor any fit subject for sin to work upon. They shall be pure and Angelical. In brief, they shall shine most gloriously, glistering with all heavenly graces of the divine Spirit; for they shall be made partakers of the divine nature m 2 Pet. 1.4 , in more full manner; not, that the divine essence shall be infused into them, but that those divine and heavenly qualities of wisdom, glory, righteousness, holiness, purity, etc. (wherein the Image of God consisteth) shall be communicated unto them in plentiful and abundant manner, so that if their bodies (as the Truth itself hath said) shall shine as the Sun, than their Souls shall shine no doubt far more gloriously. O how excellent shall the brightness thereof be? who is able to conceive it? Blessed are they that shall be partakers of it. Thus the Saints shall be glorious in their bodies, glorious in their souls; yea, both in body and in soul they shall be clothed as it were, with long white n Reu. 3.4.5. & 7.13. robes of glory and dignity, having Palms in their hands, in sign of victory and triumph over Sin, Satan, Death, Hell, and Damnation; and Crowns on their heads in sign of royalty; sitting also with Christ jesus in his throne o Reu. 3.21 , even as he sitteth with his Father in his throne. They shall live like kings; yea, reign and triumph like Emperors, having conquered the World p 1 joh. 5.4.5. , and the Prince of the World q john 12.31. , Satan, and his infernal host r 1 Cor. 15.55.57. Rom. 16.20 Keu. 20.13 . There shall be glory without measure in the presence of that glorious God; yea, all the glory of the most glorious things in the world is nothing unto it. All the pomp, royalty, and magnificence of all the most Princely Potentates, and mighty Monarches in the whole earth, with all their glorious & glittering show (though every one of them were as glorious, yea, more glorious than Solomon was when he was at the height of his glory) were nothing unto that glory, but even as dust; no more to be compared to it then brass to the finest Silver, or Copper to the purest Gold. To be brief, for words cannot express these things to the full. Paul, when (being rapt into the third heavens) he had a view thereof, said that he saw things s 2 Cor. 12.4. that cannot be uttered; where that great Apostle is silent, who can speak? To be brief, therefore, so glorious shall their estate then be, that in an holy admiration they shall even wonder at it; for indeed marvelous and wonderful it shall be far above that which they expected whiles they lay crawling like Worms upon this lower earth, and had their habitation in these base cottages, these houses of clay; yea, as Luther (that hammer of Antichrist) said of Abel, so it may be said, and shall be verified of every one of them. They shall be in better estate and condition then if they had the possession of a thousand worlds, with all the riches and glory thereof. And hence to lead thee on yet further with me (for I am as one in a Maze, I know not where to get out, such variety offereth itself on every hand in this divine Meditation, for the mind that is heavenly affected to exercise itself in) Hence, I say, from the fruition and apprehension of the greatness of that glory and happiness of theirs, shall arise, and spring forth unto them and in them, abundance of peace and joy. They shall be filled and replenished with true peace and with spiritual and heavenly joy, even that joy which shall ravish their hearts and souls. They shall live a heavenly and an Angelical life, singing and rejoicing, having that new song continually in their mouths, which they with the rest of that celestial choir, even all those blessed Angels and glorious spirits shall continually sound forth. hallelujah, praise and glory, and wisdom, and thanks, and honour, and power, and might be unto our God for evermore, Amen. They shall have fullness of joy in the presence of God, and be even satisfied with those pleasures of his right hand for evermore a Psal. 16.11 ; yea, all pleasures and delights which this world can afford are but vain shadows, smoke, trifles for children and babes; yea, no pleasures, no delights, in comparison of those sweet pleasures & delights wherewith the Saints shall be refreshed in that glorious Kingdom. They shall feed daily upon that Manna b Revel. 2.17 of divine and heavenly consolation, and all spiritual comforts which the heart of man can desire, nay more than the heart of man can think of. They shall drink down the cup of salvation and gladness, c Isai. 12.3. and draw waters of life out of the river of his pleasures, which shall flow forth abundantly unto them. Then they shall indeed taste d Tim. 2.3 Psa. 31.19 how sweet and how gracious the Lord is unto his chosen and beloved ones: Their hearts shall rejoice and glory in him. And no marvel that they shall have such peace and joy in the presence of God. For if they find now such inward spiritual joy in their souls and consciences, in the place of their exile and banishment, yea, in their prison, as it were, (even this valley of tears) when God letteth some bright beam of his gracious countenance shine upon them through the thick clouds of many temptations and afflictions wherewith they are continually exercised; when by his word and spirit he giveth them but a drop of that divine and heavenly comfort (as they alone know what a refreshing this joy is unto them who have truly tasted of it e Pro. 14.10 , others are strangers to it) how great then must their joy needs be, when (being taken up into heaven, the place of their glory, those celestial mansions) God shall cause the light of his countenance to shine fully upon them? when he shall reveal himself perfectly unto them; when he, (who is the God of all true comfort and consolation) shall power out himself unto them, and open wide, as it were, all the fountains of his rich grace and mercy towards them in Christ jesus, and cause them to taste of the plenteousness of his house f Psal. 36.1 , and to drink down abundantly the waters of his divine and heavenly comforts? If the poor distressed Saints of God, whiles they endure many miseries and afflictions in the world, and of the world, yet notwithstanding, have that peace g Phil. 4.7 which passeth all understanding, (a continual feast * Pro. 15.51 ) and rejoice with that joy which is unspeakable, and glorious (as the Scripture testifieth h 1 Pet. 1.8 ) even whiles they are absent from Christ, not seeing him with bodily sight, * 2 Cor. 5 7 but only believing in him, & looking upon him with the eyes of faith in the promises of the Gospel; how great then and wonderful shall their joy be, when being freed from all these miseries whereunto they are now subject, they shall be present with Christ their Saviour, whom so long before they expected and desired, see him with their eyes i 1 joh. 3.2 job. 19.25 26 , yea, live and converse with him in familiar manner, and be made partakers with him of the same glory k joh. 17.1 22.24 into which he is exalted, that in his time appointed he may draw them up unto him l joh. 14.3 , & make their hearts to rejoice in him, and in his salvation? If their joy wherewith they now rejoice, (even in this valley of misery, this place of mourning) be unspeakable and glorious & passing all understanding (as the word of truth teacheth, and the Saints by comfortable feeling and experience do well know, and thankfully acknowledge) what then (I beseech you consider of it) what shall it be in that place of triumph, that Paradise of pleasures, that glorious and celestial kingdom, where they shall keep a continual Sabbath, and being clothed & arrayed with the rich robes of holiness, righteousness & glory, and shining as Stars, yea, as the Sun in the brightness thereof, shall have their hearts filled with rejoicing, and their mouths with hymns & joyful hallelujahs, even heavenly ditties of praise & thanksgiving unto him that sitteth on the throne. O that we had hearts to conceive aright of these things. And to all these add yet moreover the time which they shall live in so blessed an estate in that glorious place. If this blessedness and glory of theirs were mutable and changeable (as all things here below are) it were not so great, and so much to be admired as it is; (for nothing is perfectly happy that is not permanent and everlasting:) But it is otherwise; it admits no change, no alteration. All things which any can enjoy in this life, m Eccle. 1. 1 Cor. 7.31 1 joh. 2.17 are transitory and fading, riches, pleasures, strength, health, beauty, honour, or whatsoever else in this world is most made account of, and seemeth to have the greatest perfection in it n Psal 119.96 : but that happiness and felicity of the Saints in light shall never fade. It's an inheritance immortal o 1 Pet. 1.4 2 Cor. 4.18 , undefiled and ever continuing in the heavens. The measure of it shall be in a manner infinite; the continuance of it infinite altogether. The time thereof shall be without time, for time then shall be no more; there shall be neither days, months, nor years as now there are. There shall be no end of it, no decaying of it, no diminishing or abating of it: But it shall continue as long as the heavens, yea, as long as God himself shall endure, without any ceasing or intermission, any change or alteration, or the least shadow of change of the excellency of that estate wherein they shall at the first be. As the hell of the wicked, so the heaven of the godly shall be perpetual. O blessed and happy estate where there shall be nothing but peace, joy, glory, happiness, and felicity, and that not for a time, but for ever, even as long as eternity it self lasteth. O life, to be desired far above this corruptible, this vain and transitory life, which the most do so much make of, yea, prefer it before the other, loath to leave this that they may attain unto that. O the brutishness and sottishness of the men of this world, that are so strangely and so fond affected, as to neglect so great salvation, so glorious a life, for the enjoying of the vain and sinful pleasures and profits of this life, which last but for a season. How hath the Devil bewitched them? How do their own wicked and corrupt hearts blind and deceive them that they should even prefer a dunghill of earth as it were, before the glory of that heavenly palace? or, that they should be unwilling to forego the earth and to forsake their pleasing or gainful trade of wickedness, that they may enjoy Heaven and the happiness of God's Saints and chosen ones? Oh these things are hid from their eyes p 1 Cor. 2.9. Luke 19.42. , they perceive no more what the glorious life of the Saints is, than a bruit beast discerns of the life of a man; or, if they know them in some measure, & yet are regardless to seek after them, how great is their folly and madness? who would not wonder at them? yea, who is not amazed to think of them? Assuredly, such as have wisdom and understanding to discern of these things aright, and faith to believe them as they ought, will not be kept back from them with a thousand worlds, q 2 Cor. 4.18. (if there were so many, & they were offered unto them) seeing all glory, pleasures, profits and commodities of this world are nothing comparable thereunto. But, whence is it that if the estate of the life to come be so excellent and so much to be desired, that men (even such as look to have a share therein as well as others) are so little affected with it, so loath and unwilling to leave this poor and wretched life of theirs to attain unto it? Blush and be ashamed of this, you that have any assurance indeed of that glorious and everlasting life, that you should once be so much overtaken as to be unwilling to departed out of this world, & to go unto the other, which is so much r Eccles. 7.3. Phil. 1.23. better, to make exchange of Brass for fine Silver, of Copper and base Metals for the purest and most refined gold; in a word, of a miserable, and sinful, and uncertain life for that most blessed, incorruptible and immortal life, reserved for the Saints in the highest heavens? O the marvelous infidelity of ours, if it be thus with us! What should I say? A wonderful thing undoubtedly it is, that any one that hath any understanding to know these things any measure of Faith to believe them, should be so carnal, so earthly, so sensual s 1 Cor. 15 19 , as to regard this wretched life here upon earth, more than that blessed life in those heavenly and glorious mansions. Whom should not the consideration of it alienate & estrange from this world, withdraw their affections from it, and wean altogether from the sinful and inordinate love of it, and cause them as it were, with eagle's wings to soar aloft in the oft and serious contemplation of that blessed and glorious estate, and in the earnest and ardent desire to be made partaker of it, being taken from Earth to Heaven, from vanity and misery to that endless and unspeakable felicity and happiness? O blessed LORD, forgive me my dullness in this regard, strengthen my faith, and hope, and affect my heart, I humbly pray thee, more and more daily with an unfeigned desire and longing after that celestial and heavenly life. Let me not be glued to this world, nor to any thing in this world, which is but vanity, dreams, and fancies; but having mine eyes opened to see what the riches of the glorious inheritance of thy Saints is, let me sigh & breath after the same uncessantly, as thy servants have done t Rom. 8.23. 2 Cor. 5.24.8. Phil. 1.23. , and long continually for the time when with these eyes of mine I shall see the felicity of thy chosen, and rejoice with the joy of thy people, in that blessed and glorious kingdom, which thou hast promised unto me, and wilt in due time give unto me for thy mercy's sake in thy well-beloved, in whom it hath pleased thee to embrace me before all worlds. Let me rejoice always in all my afflictions wherewith thou shalt exercise me, under the hope of that glory v Rom. 5.2. & 8.18. jam. 1.2. Heb. 10.37. with which shortly thou wilt crown me for ever; and esteem the best things of this earth, as dung in comparison of it, and all the glory of this world but as withering grass. Let me be willing always, x Isa. 40.6.7. 1 Pet. 1.24 at thy call, to departed hence, having before laid a sure foundation, and endeavoured to keep faith, and a good conscience in all things; yea, rejoice unfeignedly when thou shalt send thy messengers (those heavenly Ministers) to take me into their arms, * 2 Tim. 4 7.8. and to convey me into those celestial mansions, there to live and reign with thee, and all thine elect and chosen ones, in that glory which shall have no end; and that only through the merits and mediation of thy Son, my blessed Lord and Saviour, to whom with thee, and the Spirit of life and grace, be all praise and glory, both now and evermore. Amen. FINIS. DEVT. 30.19. I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing, therefore choose life. Soli Deo gloria. Faults escaped. Page. 11. line 13. of read in. p. 16. l. 22. goodly r. godly. p. 17. l. 9 holy r. holily. p. 32. l. 15. what r. most. p. 85. l. 9 desert r. defect. p. 122. l. 22. sins r. sinners. p. 150. l. 7. after neither, add the. p. 176. l. him. r. them. The rest are of lesser moment.